Delord Vintage 1989 (bottled 2021), Bas-Armagnac, 40%

Introduction

Delord Vintage 1989 Bas-Armagnac represents a moment captured in time, crafted by one of the region’s most revered family distilleries whose Armagnac-making tradition dates back to 1893.

Production Method

• Raw materials: Made from selected white grapes (primarily Ugni Blanc, Baco, and Folle Blanche) grown in the prestigious Bas-Armagnac terroir, known for its sandy soil that produces exceptionally aromatic spirits
• Distillation process: Single-distilled in traditional Armagnac copper alambic stills, preserving more congeners and flavor compounds than double distillation
• Maturation: Aged for 32 years (1989-2021) in black oak barrels from the Gascon and Limousin forests, allowing for slow oxidation and development of complex aromas
• Special techniques: Bottled at 40% ABV without chill filtration, following the ancestral methods of the Delord family that emphasize minimal intervention

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Rich aromas of ripe apricot, dried figs, walnut, candied orange peel, and subtle vanilla with hints of fine oak and baking spices
• Palate: Silky and elegant texture revealing layers of candied fruit, dark chocolate, cinnamon, toasted almonds, licorice, and a touch of leather and tobacco
• Finish: Long, warm, and satisfying with lingering notes of dried fruit, oak spice, and a delicate rancio character that speaks to its extended maturation

Recommended Serving

• Serving temperature: Room temperature (16-18°C)
• Glass recommendation: Tulip-shaped snifter or small wine glass to concentrate aromas
• Serving ideas: Best enjoyed neat as a contemplative digestif; allow 5-10 minutes in the glass to fully open up
• Food pairings: Dark chocolate desserts, blue cheese, dried fruit and nut platters, or traditional Gascon desserts like apple tarte tatin

Product Specifications

• Alcohol content: 40% ABV
• Bottle size: 70cl
• Country/Region of origin: Bas-Armagnac, Gascony, France
• Certifications/Awards: Appellation Bas-Armagnac Contrôlée, recognized by spirit connoisseurs as among the finest expressions of the 1989 vintage

Summary

A Unique Tasting Experience

Delord Vintage 1989 Bas-Armagnac offers an extraordinary glimpse into a specific year’s harvest, transformed through three decades of patient maturation into a spirit of remarkable complexity and finesse.

As a single-vintage Armagnac from 1989, bottles are inherently limited and continue to decrease in availability as collectors and connoisseurs secure them for their collections.

The Delord family has been recognized for generations as master distillers, with their expertise and traditional methods earning them respect among the most discerning Armagnac authorities worldwide.

Recognition from Connoisseurs

Armagnac enthusiasts and spirits critics consistently praise Delord vintage releases for their exceptional balance and authentic expression of the Bas-Armagnac terroir.

Collectors who have invested in Delord’s vintage Armagnacs often find themselves seeking additional bottles, recognizing the consistency and integrity behind each carefully crafted release.

The 1989 vintage in particular has been highlighted in specialist publications for its outstanding characteristics, representing a particularly successful harvest year in the region.

From Gascony’s Rolling Hills to You

Each bottle of Delord Vintage 1989 represents not just a spirit but a gift of time and expertise from the Delord family, who have dedicated generations to perfecting their craft specifically to create these memorable experiences.

The warm, hospitable character of this Armagnac mirrors the genuine Gascon culture it comes from—a region known for its generous spirit and appreciation of life’s finest pleasures.

By choosing this exceptional Armagnac, you join a community of discerning enthusiasts who value authentic craftsmanship and tradition; we invite you to experience this living piece of Armagnac heritage while the opportunity remains.