Francis Darroze Armagnac Les Grands Assemblages 20 Year 70cl

A full-bodied 20yo blended Bas Francis Darroze Armagnac bottled as part of their Grands Assemblages range, is showing real maturity and complexity after two decades of aging, while still retaining impressive freshness and bite.

20 years old, the prime of life. This Armagnac is full of life and displays a lovely character. Already the alcohol is tamed, the tannins more refined and the aromas take shape. It is certainly the most wonderful age for the Armagnac enthusiast who appreciates the force and the maturity.

Francis darroze has been described as the pope of bas Armagnacs and is widely recognized as the top producer in the region. Darroze owns no vineyard, instead works with small growers aging the spirits in his own cellars.

The end product is totally authentic, each bottle is hand-drawn and bottled from its original aging cask. Francis refuses to blend casks from the same domaine or same vintage feeling that this would diminish each cask’s individual charm and integrity.

Darroze also refuses to add water to his brandies. Each cask is carefully monitored and tested regularly to adequately judge its maturation and evolution. The results speak for themselves. This is why the bas-Armagnacs of darroze are served in the world’s best restaurants and sold in the finest stores.

NOSE:

Elegant, with dried papaya sweetness, fruity toffee, wax polish, freshly cut leather, marzipan hints, and blanched almonds.

PALATE:

Big and fruity to start sweet apples, both stewed and freshly sliced, sultanas and raisin. Gentle spice sits behind that, with floral hints, wax polish, and some dark chocolate.

FINISH:

Lots of dry spices ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, mace almost garam-masala-like. Fruitiness appears and lingers.