Domaine d'Esperance 2000 vintage Bas-Armagnac

It is a rarity to find an Armagnac made with 100% Folle Blanche. A fickle grape that has been all but replaced by Bacco 22, it was the original grape of Armagnac. It is floral and delicate - hard to grow, difficult to age. Domaine d'Esperance succeeds with this 12 year Armagnac from the 2000 vintage.

1991 was the very first vintage distilled at the Domaine d’Esperance. Unlike the bigger houses, Esperance adds no coloring or additives and ages their brandies in exclusively 100% local Gascon oak. All vintages are aged in gascon oak, first in new casks then moved into older ones. All vintages are still in cask and bottled to order. All vintages are bottled at cask strength with ZERO additives or filtration.

This is a single vintage, single varietal Armagnac, aged 13 years. It has a beautiful caramel color. The nose offer honey, poached pear, and white florals, like distant magnolia. The palate is complex, with a whole cabinet of spices including cinnamon, clove, cardamom and pepper, a touch of honey, pears, white peaches, and pecan pie. Spice lingers.
Unique, complex, and fascinating, this Armagnac will add to every fine spirits collection. Highly recommended. 93 points. DBH