Located in Hontanx in the Bas-Armagnac region, Domaine de Marquestau is as-yet relatively unknown outside of the South of France. Their vintage releases are distilled from 100% Baco grapes and aged for extended periods in locally grown and coopered new French oak casks, before being bottled at cask strength without any reduction or additives.

This 1988 vintage single cask selection by Aficionados Group and Fine Drams was a clear favorite among the tasting panel. Cask 6 yielded approximately 140 bottles at 48.4% ABV. On the nose, we found apricot jam, nectarines, sweet tobacco, baking spices, floral notes, and gentle oak. With a thick, rich mouthfeel, the palate presents a bold dark fruitiness, with chocolate and a slight grape skin tartness. This is a rare example of Armagnac produced in the coveted vein of Le Frêche and Charron – without the premium pricing those more established domaines now command.

• Distillery / brand
  Marquestau
• Country
  France
• Bottler
  Distillery Bottling
• Distillation date
  1988
• Bottling date
  March 2023
• Non-chillfiltered
  Yes
• Natural colour
  Yes
• SKU
  051630