1979 L'Encantada Lous Mouracs - #3 - 50.1%
From PM Spirits (via PlebYak): Lous Mouracs was a tiny estate in Tenareze, near the village of Larroque-sur-l'Osse. The vines that grew the grapes used to produce this spirit were torn up years ago, and the owner has since retired. On the 10 hectares of land, Ugni Blanc was the primary grape grown, with a small amount of Baco as well. The estate had two cellars – one very dry, one humid. This single cask aged in the dry cellar, helping the spirit to develop nutty, balsamic-like characteristics. Additionally, this Armagnac spent all 39 years of aging in new, Gascon oak.
Notes: Plenty of old, rich, oak - with a touch of the tart/sour happening. Same notes I get in the '81 Cardinat (it's not just the darkness they have in common). The nose keeps unfolding variations on the same theme - old, woody, it smells like time spent slowly. Cherry balsamic. Dates. Lighter on the palate than I expected - especially for the proof. Fortunately, it doesn't lack flavor or complexity. Oak. Balsamic. Tart cherry. Wood spice. Spent tobacco. Finish is no-heat, but flavors from the palate echo - oak, wood spice. A surprise of well-placed sugar glaze.
Score: 8 (Stash One) I do slightly prefer the '81 Cardinat. The body plays a little lighter here (never thin thanks to the complexity). But there is something slightly at odds between the notes and the weight. That said, I still wish I'd grabbed one to drink and one to tuck away.
Rating System
10 - Reevaluate The Budget
9 - Stash Two (If Able)
8 - Stash One (At The Right Price)
7 - Highly Recommend It To Strangers
6 - Solid - Above Average
5 - Acceptable For The Situation
4 - Not Vocally Complaining
3 - Anything Else To Drink?
2 - Nothing Nice To Say
1 - Drain Pour