This is a 1995 vintage Laberdolive. The grapes used in this vintage were grown in Domaine de Jaurrey, which the Laberdolive family aquired back in 1893. They do manage two other properties, Domaine de Pillon and Labrune. My research shows that the family manages 40 hectares of vineyard where they grow Bacco, Ugni-Blanc, and Folle Blanch varieties of grapes, but that their modern vintages are mainly being produced from Ugni-Blanc.
They distill their armagnac in a wood-fired continuous still, which is not a very common practice. In fact, during the two week period of distillation they have to spend every night tending the fire in the still to make sure it's still going strong. Apparently, only 25% of stills used are wood-fired. Whether there is advantage to this method, or if it's just a continuation of tradition, I"m not sure. Does anybody know? Furthermore, they age all of their spirit in barrels made with wood from the black oak trees that grow in the forests on their property. This particular vintage was bottled at 46%.
Nose: A dryish nose. Almond oil, rubber cement, saw dust and wood varnish.
Taste: More lively on the palate. Sweet vanilla. Mint. Some honey. A bit of citrus. The sweetness is replaced with some dry oak. Aromatic cinnamon and nutmeg. A good spice kick.
Finish: Finishes on more baking spices and gentle oak.
Overall: Upon first taste this is a slightly oak dominant armagnac, but there is sweetness wrapped up in the cooking spices and vanilla. It is a nice armagnac, but not as dynamic as I may like, and there are maybe some more attractive options at the asking price. I am intrigued, though, and don't think this will be the last Laberdolive we see on the blog.
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