1952 Samalens Bas Armagnac in Wooden presentation box

1952 Samalens Bas Armagnac in Wooden presentation box

A larger house. This one came in a carafe, which all in-laws will like. Typical Christmas bottle in France.

Colour: Amber.

Nose: Fruity and floral. Chamomile, overripe apples, peaches, acacia honey, then a little fudge and the obligatory sultanas. What a complex, subtle, and elegant spirit! The grapy and raisiny notes have gone to the background, leaving room for very delicate notes of artisan marzipan, soft olive oil, chocolate, wet earth, earl grey tea, oriental pastries and, perhaps, a little putty, eucalyptus and menthol. The whole is magnificent, subtle, never in-your-face, and with an amazing complexity

Mouth: Black tea and tobacco at first (Gauloise), then some dried tropical fruits, perhaps litchis. Some bitter chocolate too. This is e.x.c.e.p.t.i.o.n.a.l., bright, vibrant, fresh, incredibly fruity, extremely tertiary (there are myriads of flavours) and yet totally coherent. Peaches, vanilla, raisins, mangos, buttered fudge, liquorice, oranges, more raisins, dates… What I especially love in this is the way the oak only underlines the fruits and other flavours, and never comes to the front. The body’s totally perfect, and so is the strength. Amazing and glorious.

Finish: Rather long and, indeed, a little rustic, with notes of pine needles and menthol.