Chateau de Ravignan 1983 Bas Armagnac

 In the glass this displays a lovely, deep amber color. The aromas are of mature Armagnac with prune, leather, vanilla, and a hint of coconut. On the palate the texture is mouth-filling with notes of licorice, toffee, dried fruits, and baking spices. The long and luxurious plate ends with a touch of smoke on its long finish. D&M Tasting Notes

The first time our man on the ground Charles Neal visited the Armagnac region to visit producers, he noted that most of the people he came across were humble country folk (his words.) They received him in their work clothes, and tasting was done either directly from the barrel or from an unmarked bottle that had recently been pulled from cask. Things were a bit different years later when he visited Château de Ravignan. As he tells it: “...after passing through the nearly non-existent town of Perquie deep in the Bas-Armagnac, we were led along a narrow road through the woods. Suddenly there was a clearing and, less than 100 yards from our car, in the middle of nowhere, stood a majestic château, the kind you see in movies! We were in awe! “Where did [this] come from? We drove a bit further to the side of the château to the building where the barrels are stored and were met by Josselin de Ravignan, the heir to the storied domaine. Joss turns out to be an amazing fellow. Physically he’s a bit like Benjamin Franklin, but his main interests are surfing, bullfighting and playing the horn during hunts. Quite the contradiction!”

Castles have stood on the property since the 12th century and the name Ravignan comes from the deep ravines surrounding the property that once served as a natural defense. The château was first occupied by feudal barons and partially destroyed during the religious wars of the 16th century. In the mid-17th century, a Louis XIII style manor was built on the property and vineyards were planted in 1732. Soon after this shift from country estate to working estate, the property was sold to Jean La Croix. In a move that could be described as ‘putting on airs’ he later took the name Ravignan. Jean’s descendants have occupied the house ever since. Today Josselin (with the help of his father and aunt) presides over the estate’s ~50 acres of vineyards. These are planted on iron-rich sand (sables fauves) and sand with small pieces of limestone and clay (called boulbènes.)

The broad range of Armagnac grapes are represented on the property; they grow Ugni Blanc, Baco, Colombard and Folle Blanche grapes. Each year after harvest and fermentation, they are distilled by the traveling Alambic Still each November. The spirit exits the still at around 52% ABV and fills between 15 and 20 barrels of rich Armagnac per year. The chai (warehouse) stands between the impressive château and a 16th-century church. It has been expanded to house nearly 300 barrels. The area is cool and well-ventilated which helps promote oxidation. There is some temperature fluctuation during the year and plenty of humidity which helps the barrels lose alcohol more quickly than in a dry cellar. Ravignan enjoys tremendous respect within the Armagnac region from their peers. Their distillation to such a low degree ensures lots of fruit, The use of new oak gives wonderful structure, and their brandies long aging ensures a natural concentration of flavors. Though their house may be grand, their production remains completely artisanal in step with the image of the region. We hear Josselin and Charles have become quite good friends!  40.5% ABV  Bottled 2001, 38 years in oak Michael Kennel, D&M