Domaine D'Ognoas 1976 Bas Armagnac

The still at Domaine d'Ognoas is the oldest in Gascony, still in use and used to distill the 1976 vintage. Of course in 1976 America was celebrating its bicentennial, All in the Family was a popular TV show, Jimmy Carter was elected president and the films Rocky, Taxi Driver and One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest were released. Aged in barrels made from Gascon oak from trees felled on the property, this is an impeccable armagnac. From its deep color come aromas of dried plums, apricots, maple, leather, dried herbs and smoke. Even at 45% ABV, the texture is soft and expansive, something that permits the flavors to penetrate the palate without a feeling of harshness. What a pleasure to drink a well-aged armagnac at full ABV, instead of most of this age that have been reduced to 40% ABV. Charles Neal, Armagnac Man