Domaine D'Ognoas 11yr Cask Strength Bas-Armagnac - 2010

Not only does Domaine D’ognoas (doh-nwahs) use barrels made from oak trees growing on the estate's three hundred and fifty hectares of land, which is unheard of these days, they also use one of the oldest working stills in Gascony. A wood-fired copper monster from the 1780s that dutifully heats eight hundred hectoliters of wine a year, which, when distilled, provides one hundred and fifty hectoliters of this simply incredible vintage spirit to be aged for at least ten years and no more than forty. Juicy, high-definition citrus leaps out of the glass with a supporting cast of candied fruits, marzipan, and warm brown sugar. Cask strength heat frames a nice bite on the palate, striking a perfect balance between youthful playfulness and age. Simply a priceless testimony to the incredible history of Armagnac and an absolute bargain.