Château de Laubade VSOP Bas-Armagnac

While searching for something in the brandy category, I found this at my local Total Wine. For reference, my highest rating is for Remy Martin VSOP. The nose is fantastic, much like most brandies, perhaps with the exception of the Calvados I've sampled. I appreciate a profound pear note on the nose followed by a creamy texture, which this possesses. There's a hint of caramel underneath. It seems a bit hot for 80 proof, maybe due to sipping it with fresh apple crisp. I do like the contrasting tartness, but I desire more depth of flavor. I'm still leaning towards Remy, but Martell is also quite good.

An elegant Armagnac crafted by the Lesgourgues family in Gascogne, France, using a blend of Baco, Colombard, Folie Blanche, and Ugne Blanc. Each vintage is harvested, fermented, distilled, and aged for 6 to 12 years in Gascony oak casks before being blended and bottled at 40% ABV in October 2020. It offers an aromatic start with notes of tree fruits, flowers, nuts, and spices. Its rich and warm character develops hints of apricot, apple, peach, orange, passion fruit, fig, vanilla, nougat, bittersweet chocolate, and violets, culminating in a long, balanced finish with undertones of campfire, cinnamon, clove, cedar, cigar, and oak. Reviewed March 2021.

It possesses those signature Brandy characteristics with evident charred wood and red fruit. The red fruit isn't overpowering, but it is slightly excessive. The flavor has body and some spiciness. The taste evolves somewhat towards the finish, revealing light caramel at moments before a tart conclusion. It reminds me of Remy Martin 1738 blended with Symbole National and just a trace of unwanted cherry from A De Fussigny Selection. The creamy smoothness is its most compelling attribute, and I can envision myself savoring it occasionally. The flavors are good, but not extraordinary.

Aroma of pears and vanilla frosting. Pears and red grapes. Dryness lingers on the cheeks. Young wood and a touch of ethanol. Light body with slight warmth.

From 1989. Cost $16 in Canada

Dominant oak flavor.