Bas Armagnac Baron Gaston Legrand 1994
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 1994 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 has benefited from slow aging in Gascon oak barrels, allowing for subtle micro-oxygenation and perfect integration of woody aromas. The sables fauves (tawny sands), sandy-clay soils rich in iron oxides, confer upon the eau-de-vie structure, finesse, and balance. Over the years, the wood has enriched the spirit with vanilla and slightly spicy notes, while softening the tannins. This vintage thus develops a harmonious aromatic palette of dried fruits, quince, and delicate floral touches. The final blend guarantees a perfect harmony between power and subtlety.
The Tasting
The Bas Armagnac 1994 opens with a complex nose, blending walnut, prune, vanilla, and sweet spices. The palate is round and warm, with supple tannins and beautiful aromatic amplitude. The dried fruits and notes of quince mingle with nuances of fern and slightly toasted wood, offering a subtle balance. The finish, long and silky, reveals all the richness and elegance of the vintage. It is a spirit to be enjoyed neat to appreciate the finesse of the terroir, or to be shared during special occasions. Each sip is an invitation to Gascon tradition and refinement.
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:
Super gourmand nose, I smell the vanilla and walnut right from the opening. On the palate, it’s round and warm, with a very pleasant little spicy touch. In short, it’s highly drinkable!
Bas Armagnac 1994 Baron Gaston Legrand - Vinodelice