Armagnac Laterrade - Bas-Armagnac - 1994 - Domaine de Marquet - Barrel Proof - 41.4%
The Laterrade collection places a central focus on discreet estates whose eaux-de-vie have long rested sheltered in the old Gascon cellars. Trained as a sommelier, Vincent Laterrade selects these barrels both for their tasting quality and the precision of their origin. Each vintage remains linked to a single identified property, without blending with another year, in order to preserve the personality of the harvest and the memory of the place. The Domaine de Marquet is located in Castandet, in the Landes, within Bas-Armagnac. This western part of the appellation is marked by an oceanic influence and sandy-silty soils, often referred to as tawny sands. It is historically associated with delicate, fruity eaux-de-vie capable of retaining their finesse after long aging. Bottling without coloring or artifice allows the expression of a property Armagnac whose identity has not been altered to fit a predefined profile.
This selection comes exclusively from the 1994 harvest of Domaine de Marquet. After distillation, the eau-de-vie continued its maturation in wood for several decades, following the exchanges between the Armagnac, the oak, and the cellar atmosphere. The fruit thus gained depth without reaching the fully patinated register of much older vintages. Notes of yellow fruits and ripe citrus gradually enriched with nuances of candied fruits, spices, and cocoa. Its natural strength of 41.4% results from the evolution of the barrel and the slow evaporation commonly called the angels' share. Bottled without reduction, this Bas-Armagnac retains the texture and freshness that would have been altered by an adjustment of the degree. The 1994 vintage presents itself in an expressive maturity phase, meeting the brightness of the fruit and the first deep accents of rancio.
The color shows a bright amber with orange and copper reflections. The nose opens on stewed mirabelle plum, baked apple, and orange peel, before revealing honey, vanilla, and a touch of blond tobacco. Aeration brings nuances of fresh walnut, cocoa, cinnamon, and finely toasted wood. On the palate, the attack is supple and precise, with a natural strength that supports the aromas without imposing excessive heat. The texture rounds around stone fruits, roasted almond, and soft spices, while a discreet freshness maintains a pleasant liveliness. The finish, clear and persistent, extends the candied zest, mild coffee, and a slight note of licorice. This vintage can be enjoyed neat in a tulip glass or paired with a mirabelle tart, a walnut dessert, lightly sweetened dark chocolate, or a long-aged hard cheese.
