Hontambère – RAC Spirits – Armagnac 1982 – Ugni Blanc – Réserve Pouchégu #F2 – Exclusive Cuvée Clos des Spiritueux – 53.5%
An exceptional new product and total exclusivity for our Clos des Spiritueux and Clos des Millésimes cellars, this 1982 Hontambère cuvée selected by Thibault and Fabien belongs to the very select circle of exceptional Armagnacs that leaves us with an unforgettable memory. Coming from the extremely rare Pouchégu cellar, a little-known and coveted origin, this bottling was only bottled in 60 numbered bottles. Not one more :)
The blend isn't about show: it's a single cask of Ugni Blanc bottled at 53.5% cask strength, chosen for its supreme balance, aromatic purity, and phenomenal finish. Everything here speaks of exceptional quality: the nobility of the 1982 vintage, the precision of the selection, and the signature of a legendary cellar.
The nose immediately strikes with a very fruity identity, with a rum mark that unambiguously evokes certain TDL profiles: flambéed banana, roasted pineapple, candied cane, toffee and citrus zest. Aeration then reveals layers of ripe exotic fruits, clear honey, natural vanilla and precious wood, on a fine and elegant spicy thread. It is an aromatic both generous and perfectly held, of a rare intensity for an Armagnac of this age.
On the palate, the attack is ample and silky, immediately relaunched by a savory tension that maintains the rhythm throughout the tasting. The frame deploys candied yellow fruits, pastry spices, a very fine toasted hazelnut and a chiseled woodiness that never dominates the fruit. The length is remarkable, almost endless, with returns of light cocoa, orange marmalade and black tea with honeyed accents. The alcohol is magnificently integrated; a drop of water reveals even more the “TDL-like” fruity dimension and the grace of the Pouchégu chai sublimated by Hontambère.
This 10th vintage bottled by our cellar, Clos des Spiritueux, is aimed at Armagnac, Cognac and Molasses Rum lovers looking for a rare piece. It shines pure, at slightly tempered room temperature, and lends itself to high-flying pairings: silky cigar, lightly sweetened dark chocolate, caramelized nut tart or long-aged Comté. Absolute rarity, singular aromatic signature, masterful texture and very classy finish: this 1982 Hontambère Armagnac (Chai Pouchégu #F2) embodies everything one expects from a top selection.
Grape variety: Ugni Blanc - Exclusive to Clos des Spiritueux
