Borderline Brandy Français Chardonnay Finish Darroze (70cl, 51%)

This Borderline brandy from Darroze is finished in Chardonnay casks after maturation in Armagnac casks. Because of the additional ageing in wine casks, it carries the Brandy Français designation rather than the protected Armagnac appellation. The Chardonnay edition combines fresh fruit notes with restrained oak spice. It was bottled as 848 numbered 70cl bottles at 51%, without colouring or chill filtration. The nose is very fresh, with citrus notes and tart green apples accompanied by a little mint, with the alcohol well integrated. The palate shows sweet fruit notes of strawberries, ripe juicy nectarines and lychee, with subtle spicy oak in the background. The taste leads into a sweet, fairly long finish.