Armagnac Laterrade - Bas-Armagnac - 2016 - Domaine de Coutchot - Barrel Proof - 46.9%
In Perquie-Gaube, in the Landes region, Domaine de Coutchot has been producing vintage armagnacs for over three generations. The vineyard belongs to Bas-Armagnac, a western terroir where the influence of the Atlantic, filtered through the Landes forest, meets in winter the cooler currents coming from the Pyrenees. This temperate climate supports the gradual ripening of the grapes and favors eaux-de-vie whose fruit often retains brightness. The estate extends its aging in Gascon oak barrels until bottling, without coloring or dilution with water. Vincent Laterrade selected this vintage based on the precise origin of the barrels and the uniqueness of each estate. Unlike the old stocks that established his reputation as a treasure hunter, this selection reveals a more youthful expression, still close to the wine and distillation. It thus allows discovering Bas-Armagnac in a lively, spontaneous, and particularly readable style.
Exclusively from the 2016 harvest of Domaine de Coutchot, this Armagnac is not based on any blend of several years or estates. Its aging in Gascon oak has begun to soften the eau-de-vie while preserving the aromatic frankness typical of a still young vintage. At this stage of maturation, the wood accompanies the fruit without yet developing the patina, rancio, and deeply tertiary tones of very old armagnacs. Bottled at 46.9%, this corresponds to the natural strength of the batch, without added water to standardize the power. This choice preserves the texture's relief, the liveliness of the aromas, and a warmth that fully contributes to the structure. The year 2016 is therefore expressed more through freshness, white fruits, and spices than through dark notes of walnut, tobacco, or leather. This relative youth makes the cuvée a direct reading of the estate, the barrel, and Vincent Laterrade's work.
The color shows a bright amber gold, crossed by still light copper reflections. The nose opens on ripe pear, baked apple, and fresh grape, before revealing apricot, dried flower, and a touch of light honey. Aeration brings nuances of vanilla, white pepper, cinnamon, and freshly worked wood. The palate has a frank attack, carried by the 46.9%, but the warmth remains balanced by juicy fruit and pleasant tension. Notes of yellow fruits are accompanied by almond, blond caramel, and soft spices, in an energetic texture that does not yet seek the roundness of long aging. The finish lingers on orange peel, pepper, vanilla, and a slight sensation of licorice. This Armagnac can be enjoyed alone after a few minutes of aeration, or accompanied by a tarte tatin, a sheep's milk blue cheese, duck breast with apricots, or an almond dessert.
