Laballe Bas Armagnac 1973 (70cl, 41.2%)

A Bas-Armagnac from France, distilled in 1973 and bottled on 17 May 2023 at 41.2% in a 70cl bottle. Stone fruit, honey and spice form the characteristic flavour profile of this original bottling. The bottle comes in a dark brown gift box with gold design elements and an image of Château Laballe, with the vintage on a separate neck label and the handwritten bottling date on the back. Château Laballe lies in Parleboscq in the Landes, with 25 hectares on sandy Sables Fauves soils. Nose: juicy nectarines and plums with grapes and dates, blossom honey and lavender, plus liquorice, caramel, almonds, elderberry syrup and some oak. Palate: full-bodied, with ripe forest berries, peaches and apples, apricot jam and dried mango, liquorice and star anise, with camomile tea with honey, candied oranges and cinnamon. Finish: light fruits, forest berries and dried fruit remain, with caramel cream and a delicate spice note.