Darroze Domaine de Bertruc 1988 Armagnac

Product Description

In 1974, Francis Darroze founded his business as a trader and producer of vintage Bas-Armagnacs relying on his many years of experience, tasting, and visits to the ageing cellars of Bas-Armagnac, the sub-region of Armagnac where the most rich, complex and interesting spirits are produced. His initial idea was simple: to create awareness of a region and its extraordinarily varied wine-producing soils, rich and marked by history, while respecting the originality and typical nature of each estate. Since then he has intensified his search for the best vineyards, the best soils of Bas-Armagnac. His idea paid off and he rapidly acquired a national and international reputation for quality and integrity: “He doesn’t add any softened water or “petites eaux” to bring it to the necessary degree for sale; the Armagnacs of Francis Darroze are reduced naturally through simple evaporation of the alcohol over years of ageing.” (Pierre Casamayor, Revue des Vins de France). Francis shares his values with those close to him. His son Marc quickly developed the same passion and commitment. Together they travel through the vineyards and cellars of the Gers and the Landes; one providing the experience, the other youth and enthusiasm. In the area which used to be called “Grand Bas-Armagnac”, Darroze focus their determination to discover and hopefully acquire yet another small quantity (a cask here, a demi-john there) of the characterful Armagnacs so typical of the region. Pure, unfiltered, single domaine, single vintage Armagnacs bottled at cask strength.

The 1990 is a nice golden colour with amber tints. The nose is fine and distinguished. We smell some dry fruit flavours (almond, fig, prune) and roasted aromas (toast, tobacco). On the palate, soft attack with round and fine tannins. We feel some cristallized fruits like apricot, orange peel and fig. Superb. You haven’t tasted real old style Armagnacs until you try one of these incredibly intense, fiery creations.