Maker: Domaine d’Espérance, Mauvezin-d’Armagnac, Landes, France.
Grape: Baco Blanc
Region: Bas-Armagnac
Age: 5 y/o
ABV: 40.2%
Michigan state minimum: $62
Appearance: Medium copper.
Nose: Alcohol, raisin bread, toasted French oak.
Palate: Sugared raisins, alcohol, vanilla, clove, oak.
Finish: Rubbery, with more dried fruit and alcohol.
Parting words: Why am I reviewing a French brandy? First, it’s my blog and I’ll do what I like, man. Secondly, and more importantly, I review foreign brandies so that I can better know what I’m talking about when I review Michigan and other US brandies. The focus of this blog is now and always will be local (or at least North American) wine and spirits but I can’t place them in their proper context without understanding them globally.
Domaine d’Espérance, 5 ans is, I think, the second least expensive Armagnac available in the state of Michigan. It’s definately the cheapest Espérance expression available with the XO at $86 and the 1998 vintage at $123. It’s brash and lacks complexity compared to older Armagnacs, but is still an enjoyable after dinner or afternoon sip, especially as the weather turns cold. The only thing unpleasant is the rubber in the finish, but it isn’t too obnoxious. Having cut my proverbial teeth on bourbon, I had a hard time bringing myself to mix a spirit that costs $62 but it does mix well, though I would stick to quality, classic cocktails. Domaine d’Espérance, 5 ans is recommended.
Sipology 