France: Day 8 - Rounding Up the Goods - Part I

Today was a travel day, so I needed to start getting an idea of what we would eventually need to order upon our return. It’s hard to believe it’s been almost two straight, non-stop weeks of traveling, tasting, and taking copious amounts of notes—all in the name of better booze retail. Let’s see where we are so far with our French selections.

We began with Mr. Boutinet in the Fins Bois region of Cognac. We were pretty happy with his VSOP and some of the younger vintage selections we tasted there. In a line-up that already consists of Raymond Ragnaud, Ragnaud Sabourin, Dudognon, Giboin, the soon-to-be-arriving Vallein, Thorin, and Forgeron, is there really room for another producer? The pricing will be the big factor here. More value options might be nice, but now that we’re working directly with Hine I think they might be tough to beat on that end. We just got their incredible VSOP in for $46.99—a wicked good price.

Then there’s our friend Beatrice Sourdois in Toujous at Domaine de Jean-Bon. She had some amazing stuff and the pricing looked more than reasonable. We tasted a 1995 vintage that was big, oaky, and full of dried herbs with bits of anise. That, along with an absolutely killer 1987 expression full of sweet vanilla on the entry with loads of power and spice on the finish. I’d expect two or three things from this savvy gal.

Our friend Jacques at Domaine du Miquer is definitely good for another order of 1987. Maybe some 1990 as well since his Armagnac does stand out from the pack. The brandies are woody, but much leaner and full of graphite with pencil shavings.

You know we’re buying more Baraillon from our friend Paul Claverie. We’ll be grabbing some new vintages from them for sure. The 1981 they had was incredible—dark and dusty with brooding power and an explosion of peppery punch on the back end.

Domaine de Charron is definitely a wild card here. Claude Lartigue has some incredibly-powerful stuff, but it might be too oaky for true Armagnac connoisseurs. It’s definitely for our big-boy Bourbon drinkers looking to cross over. That being said, what will they ultimately cost? That is the question. Price will play the biggest role here because for the right retail sticker these are home runs. The 2004 vintage could be the answer to Elijah Craig Barrel Proof at $40.

When I was hanging out at Bernard's restaurant, working on some more photos and writing, I bought a bottle of wine for all the guys hanging out at the main counter. Bernard told them it was on me. They were very thankful, and about twenty minutes later one of the guys came over to my table and asked me to follow him over to another building. I looked at Bernard, who nodded and winked at me, so I followed the man into the other side of the restaurant. The above magnums were pulled out of a secret compartment and I was asked which one I wanted to try first.

Of course, I looked at him and said, "1893? That’s waaaay too young, dude. Pass me that 1831. I only drink Armagnacs distilled at least 184 years ago."

What an amazing experience. They were all so full of fruit and freshness despite their extremely old age. This place is pure magic.

-David Driscoll