Bas Armagnac Baron Gaston Legrand 2003
DESCRIPTION
The Story
At the heart of Bas-Armagnac, Maison Baron Gaston Legrand, founded in Lannepax over a century ago, perpetuates the art of vintage eaux-de-vie. This 2003 vintage perfectly embodies the elegance of the Gascon terroir: a spirit patiently aged in oak barrels for several decades, where time has chiseled every nuance. Today, the Lhéraud family watches over this living heritage, a symbol of rare and timeless expertise.
The Vinification
Resulting from a simple and traditional low-proof distillation, this Bas Armagnac 2003 has benefited from long aging in Gascon oak barrels. The grapes drew their character from the famous "sables fauves" (tawny sands), the sandy-clay soils typical of Bas-Armagnac. This slow maturation allows for the development of aromatic complexity while preserving the finesse and roundness of the fruit.
The Tasting
The Bas Armagnac Baron Gaston Legrand 2003 reveals a supple attack and a palate of great roundness. The nose is both rich and harmonious, dominated by gourmand notes of cooked prune and fresh walnut. Upon aeration, it unveils a complex secondary nose of sweet vanilla and fern, supported by a discreet rancio. It is a perfectly balanced eau-de-vie, an ideal gift to mark a birthday or for connoisseurs of fine spirits.
Region
Gascogne
Gascony, a historic territory in southwestern France spanning the Gers, Landes and Lot-et-Garonne, is the birthplace of Armagnac, France's oldest eau-de-vie. This exceptional spirit, crafted since the 14th century, embodies the soul and tradition of this region with its strong character.
Armagnac is divided into three distinct appellations: Bas-Armagnac, the noblest cru with sandy-clay soils (sables fauves) that impart finesse and elegance; Ténarèze, whose clay-limestone soils produce powerful and structured armagnacs; and Haut-Armagnac, with harder clay-limestone soils. These terroirs rest on the Lannemezan alluvial fan, formed from Pyrenean erosion, creating ideal conditions for exceptional eaux-de-vie.
Traditionally distilled in a continuous still at low proof and aged in Gascon or Limousin oak barrels, Armagnac develops a harmonious aromatic palette: plum, prune, candied fruits, walnuts, vanilla, honey, spices, tobacco and noble rancio. Gascony perpetuates an ancestral savoir-faire producing expressive, elegant armagnacs, true witnesses of time and Gascon tradition.
Recommended for you:
A superb Armagnac, very smooth and highly aromatic. Given for a birthday, it was unanimously praised/loved. A truly wonderful discovery!
Bas Armagnac 2003 Baron Gaston Legrand - Vinodelice