1979 Vintage

All of the Armagnac in this remarkable blend from Bacco and Ugni Blanc grapes was produced in 1979, a stellar year in the Grand Bas Armagnac.  New to the market, this extraordinary Armagnac received a Double Gold Medal at the 2008 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and was named the “Best of Show Brandy.”

The 22 Year Old

The twenty-two year old Loujan Bas Armagnac, a silver medal winner at the 2004 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, was produced from a blend of approximately 60% Bacco grapes and 40% Ugni Blanc grapes. Produced in the Grand Bas Armagnac, this Armagnac was distilled to a low degree in a traditional alambic armagnacaise, and aged in French oak barrels. The degree of alcohol was reduced naturally to approximately 43% and it is bottled at cask strength with no additives and no dilution.

Tasting Notes

• Marc Darroze, Francis Darroze Bas Armagnacs:

  “Amber color with gold and red tints. The nose is complex. We sense some fruity flavors (prune, quince), and some spices (vanilla, cloves, and honey). The second nose changes a little, due to the air contact. We sense some dry fruit flavors like almonds and nuts. On the palate, the balance between aromas (licorice and chocolate), tannins (round and fat) and alcohol is perfect. Long, long spicy finish.”

• Charles Neal, Author of "Armagnac: The Definitive Guide to France’s Premier Brandy":

  ”Deep amber with orange reflections. Complex nose where chocolate, honey, maple, vanilla, orange and almond vie for attention. Rich, round mouthfeel, with plenty of glycerin and fat. Chocolate notes are gently spiced by clove and pepper on the very long finish.”
  

The 17 Year Old

Produced from Bacco and Ugni Blanc grapes, this distinctive Armagnac, produced in multiple years, many of which are much older than 17 years, is also new to the market and was awarded a Gold Medal at the prestigious 2008 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. 

The 12 Year Old

The twelve year old Loujan Bas Armagnac, a silver medal winner at the 2004 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, is a wonderful combination Bacco and Ugni Blanc grapes. Produced in the Grand Bas Armagnac, this Armagnac was distilled to a low degree in a traditional alambic armagnacaise and aged in French oak barrels. While labeled a 12 year old, it is in fact substantially composed of older Armagnac—an Armagnac labeled with a specific number of years means that all of the Armagnac in the bottle is at least the minimum age but can contain older spirits as well.  During the aging process the degree of alcohol reduced naturally to approximately __%. As with all Loujan Bas Armagnacs, it is totally pure, with no additives and no dilution.

Tasting Notes

• F. Paul Pacult, Wine Enthusiast, March 2004:

  “Rich, textured, sweet, honey flavors emerge at palate entry, then stately tastes of nougat, toasted almond, sweet oak, vanilla bean, tobacco emerge.  Ends long and maple-like.”

• Marc Darroze, Francis Darroze Bas Armagnacs:

  “Gold color with darker tints. Very fresh nose where the fruity flavors are dominant — orange peel, prune. The second nose is spicy showing some matured flavors like vanilla and honey. On the palate, the tannins are round and complex for an Armagnac of this age. It’s still very young (fruits, linden taste) but also mature and complex with a high quality of tannins.”

• Charles Neal, Author of the book “Armagnac:  The Definitive Guide to France’s Premier Brandy”:

  ”Amber with gold reflections. An orange note floats atop aromas of caramel and black licorice. Round mouthfeel with a touch of menthol. Vanilla and pepper on the finish, which shows well- integrated alcohol and good length.”