Chateau de Laubade is the only Armagnac house coopering its own casks from local Gascon oak. This exceptionally old, sip-worthy expression was bottled in 2019 at natural strength, forty years after distillation. Very limited stocks.
Polished copper. Varnishy opening whiffs take a minute to blow off giving way to a dry nose-feel: flashes of dried fig, peel and bitter chocolate developing with wood shavings, new leather and pepper. Sedate entry expands into a bold, peppery attack; cinnamon and vanilla underscored by a thread of sweet dried fruits. The finish turns pleasantly astringent and almost chewy, sustained by attractive fruit / oak balance. A mature, big-boned style that retains some of the fire of youth.
