Château Ménard – Haut Marin 2000 – Bas-Armagnac

(43%) The nose is spicy, peppery, textured and offers a beautifully velvety and intense grain. There are notes of dried quince, dried zest and small notes of pepper associated with a touch of smoke (almost peat), hints of rancio as well as a hint of cedar, tobacco and a subtle hint of apple in syrup (in the background). The palate is fruity and offers minerality, suppleness, a small fat, power in finesse as well as a stretched side. A beautiful fine and delicate matter. On the palate this Armagnac expresses notes of quince, mirabelle plum and small notes of kumquat associated with touches of smoke, tobacco, citron as well as hints of spices, cigar box, a subtle almost peaty hint and cereals. A balanced Armagnac whose style is reminiscent of certain whiskeys.