DARROZE, DOMAINE DE DUSSANS, 20-YEAR SINGLE BARREL BAS-ARMAGNAC

ARMAGNAC, FRANCE 1999

Robert Parker once referred to Armagnac négociant Marc Darroze as “the Pope of Armagnac,” with the glowing opinion that “you haven’t tasted real old-style Armagnacs until you try one of these incredibly intense, fiery creations.” The Darroze company was founded in 1970 with a mission to offer highly individual Armagnacs of exceptional quality to demanding clientele. Self-proclaimed “treasure hunters,” the Darroze family has built meaningful, long-term relationships with some of the best small growers and producers throughout the Bas-Armagnac region in southwest France. Since its inception, Darroze has championed transparency and singularity among its Armagnacs: every bottle of Darroze Unique Collection is from a single estate and single vintage and is bottled at cask strength just before being sold. Marc Darroze meticulously monitors every barrel of eaux-de-vie in his cellar throughout its maturation, with a patience and tenderness rarely seen in a society that seems to prize bigger and faster production. We have partnered with Darroze to offer a Concierge Sales private cask selection of Domaine de Dussans 1999, a 20-year-old Armagnac from the beautiful village of Le Frêche in the heart of Grand Bas-Armagnac. The finesse of the eaux-de-vie is not masked, but rather intensified by the oak influence: flavors of orange marmalade, fig, cloves and walnut jump out of the glass and the long maturation has created seamless tannins and a creamy, complex texture. 
 

Our cask offering is predominantly Baco (80%), complemented with Ugni Blanc (15%) and Folle Blance (5%). Baco thrives in the silty soils, known as tawny sands, that define the Bas-Armagnac region, and creates suave eaux-de-vie that are full and weighty but require ample cellar maturation to reach full potential. The addition of Ugni Blanc and Folle Blanche contributes a fresh and fruity complexity to the blend that ultimately balances the weighty components of Baco. This Armagnac is somehow both subtle and extroverted, powerful and refined. The layers of flavor seem nearly endless and weave between candied citrus, warm baking spice, and toffee.  
 

The concept of terroir is unfortunately not as valued in the world of spirits, but négociants like Marc Darroze are here to change that conversation by highlighting the site-specific character among his Armagnacs. This is a rare opportunity to experience an outstanding Armagnac that will never be recreated: we only have 265 bottles available of this private cask selection and are offering a special Concierge price below $150 to boot.