Delord Vintage 1999 (bottled 2021), Bas-Armagnac, 40% (MAGNUM – 1.5L)

Introduction

Delord Vintage 1999 Bas-Armagnac represents the pinnacle of French distillation artistry, produced by a family that has been crafting exceptional Armagnacs since 1893. This single vintage bottling captures a specific moment in time, preserved and enhanced through more than two decades of careful maturation.

Production Method

• Raw materials: Harvested from the prestigious Bas-Armagnac region, known for its sandy loam soils that produce wines with exceptional aromatics for distillation
• Distillation process: Traditional continuous distillation in a copper Armagnac alambic still, preserving the intense fruit character and terroir of the original wine
• Maturation: Aged for 22 years (1999-2021) in black oak casks sourced from the forests of Gascony, with careful monitoring and rotation by Delord’s cellar master
• Special techniques: Progressive reduction in alcohol strength through natural evaporation (the “angels’ share”), allowing gentle development of complex flavors and smooth character

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Rich dried fruits complemented by notes of vanilla, toasted oak, candied orange peel, and delicate hints of cinnamon and nutmeg
• Palate: Velvety texture with layers of caramelized fruits, warm spices, roasted nuts, and a balanced oak influence, showcasing honey, dried apricot, and subtle tobacco notes
• Finish: Long, warm and elegant with lingering notes of vanilla, dried fruits, and gentle oak tannins that gradually evolve into a delicate spicy aftertaste

Recommended Serving

• Serving temperature: 16-18°C (60-64°F)
• Glass recommendation: Tulip-shaped snifter or Cognac glass to concentrate the aromas
• Serving ideas: Best enjoyed neat as a contemplative digestif, allowing time for the aromas to develop in the glass
• Food pairings: Dark chocolate desserts, dried fruit pastries, aged cheeses like Comté or Roquefort, or as a complement to fine cigars

Product Specifications

• Alcohol content: 40% ABV
• Bottle size: 1.5L (Magnum)
• Country/Region of origin: Bas-Armagnac, Gascony, France
• Certifications/Awards: Appellation Bas-Armagnac Contrôlée, multiple gold medals from international spirits competitions

Summary

A Unique Tasting Experience

Delord Vintage 1999 stands as a masterpiece of Armagnac production, capturing the essence of a specific harvest transformed through decades of barrel maturation into liquid excellence.

With an extremely limited number of magnum bottles from this vintage available worldwide, connoisseurs understand the increasing rarity of such age-specific Armagnacs as each bottle consumed cannot be replaced.

The Delord family’s century-plus legacy of Armagnac production places them among the most respected producers in France, recognized by master distillers and spirits authorities worldwide for their exceptional quality.

Recognition from Connoisseurs

Discerning collectors and Armagnac enthusiasts consistently seek out Delord’s vintage expressions, particularly in magnum format, for their exceptional depth of character and impeccable balance.

Those who commit to building a collection of historic Armagnacs invariably include Delord’s vintage expressions as cornerstone examples of how this noble spirit develops over extended aging periods.

The consistent acclaim from spirits competitions and prominent critics reinforces what Armagnac aficionados have long known—that Delord’s vintage bottlings represent the gold standard in aged grape spirits.

From Delord Family to You

By sharing this magnificent 1999 vintage, the Delord family extends an invitation to participate in a centuries-old tradition of French hospitality and craftsmanship painstakingly developed over generations.

The approachable yet complex character of this 22-year-old Armagnac reflects the warm, unpretentious nature of Gascony itself—a region known for its generous spirit and authentic approach to the pleasures of life.

Joining the community of Delord Armagnac enthusiasts means connecting with both the rich heritage of France’s oldest brandy and the forward-looking commitment to preserving traditional craftsmanship for future generations to discover.