Comte de Lauvia Armagnac Réserve

(Selected&Blended: 2001 to 2009) Honestly, and this might be a controversial opinion, I probably favored the Reserve slightly less than the younger Fine version of Comte de Lauvia because of its increased intensity, "harshness," and spirit profile. The Fine also seemed a bit more perfumed, while the Reserve leans more towards heavy sweet cigar and fruity notes. However, to be fair, in terms of taste and aroma, they are certainly richer and better expressed here. On the nose: latte, mocha, milk chocolate, cocoa beans, oriental sweets, viscous sweet honey. On the taste: sweet plums, raisins, cigar humidor, plenty of sweet, spicy, and slightly hot spices - cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom; some nuts, mango, honeydew melon. On the finish: still spiced and hot, a hint of wood appears, some nuts again, vanilla, brown sugar. I certainly liked it a lot. It might have been a slight disappointment as I was anticipating a real evolution from the Fine version, yet it still provides immense satisfaction until the bottle is finished. Looking forward to trying the Hors d'Âge.

This French Réserve Armagnac is a mix of Ugni Blanc, Baco Blanc, and Folle Blanche grapes. It was first aged in new Gascony oak barrels, then transferred to used ones. The eaux-de-vie in this Réserve average 7 to 15 years in age. Initially, it presents floral scents like orange blossom and lilac, quickly followed by a solid dose of oak and baking spices. The taste brings cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of white pepper, alongside creamy vanilla and brioche. It has notes of apricot pastries. The finish brings back floral notes, mixed with dried fruit, citrus rind, and a bit of warmth. August 2017