Bas Armagnac Baron Gaston Legrand 1995
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 1995 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
Distilled at low proof according to the traditional method, this Bas Armagnac was aged slowly in Gascon oak barrels, allowing for gentle micro-oxygenation that balances and softens the tannins. The wood imparted vanilla and slightly spicy notes, while revealing the natural richness of dried fruits and quince. The sandy-clay soils of the region, called sables fauves (tawny sands), confer structure and finesse upon the eau-de-vie. The long aging developed exceptional aromatic complexity and remarkable roundness on the palate. Every step was conceived to enhance the terroir and the vintage.
The Tasting
The Bas Armagnac 1995 opens with a powerful and elegant nose, blending walnut, dried fig, vanilla, and sweet spices. On the palate, it reveals a warm and balanced richness, with supple tannins and generous aromatic amplitude. The dried fruits mingle with slightly woody notes, offering a remarkable length. The finish is persistent and silky, perfect for savoring all the complexity and finesse of this vintage. Ideal to enjoy neat or to share on special occasions.
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:
On the nose, you immediately sense the walnut and vanilla, on the palate it is soft yet powerful, with a beautiful length. Very pleasant to savor quietly in the evening.
Bas Armagnac 1995 Baron Gaston Legrand - Vinodelice