Pomes Peberere 1979 – 10/26/16 - 37 yr. – Tenareze – 42%
Context: From Charles Neal, "Francois is the fourth generation Faget to produce wine at the Chateau de Pomes-Peberere, located on the route between Fources and Condom. His father Louis invented a pruning system known as the Faget system, which helps allow for a vine's optimum exposure to the sun." They distill to a pretty high proof (120), age in relatively new barrels, and reduce the barrels every few years. (Armagnac, p.220)
I've tried a handful of vintages from Pomes-Peberere and they've all been solid and represent great values for old juice. Charles describes their vintage profile as "medium to full bodied and with lots of oak." I completely agree. None have been a total homerun, but most have landed in the 6-7 range. You taste the barrel and hyper-aging without it crossing into over-oaked territory.
Nose: Great fruit: pears, apples. Plenty of old dry oak. Nougat. Touch of pleasant rot as well.
Flavor: Orchard fruit and caramel up front. Oak spikes mid-palate and carries into the finish before giving way to some lingering fruit and dessert notes.
Palate Structure: Medium mouthfeel. The oak and fruit keep some minor action in play on the palate. Soft but long in the finish.
Alcohol Integration: Heavier than expected for the proof. Nice and full.
You’d Dig This If You Like:
Spanish Brandy
Bourbon (sub-90 proof)
Score: 6 (Solid) These Peberere’s are a lot of fun, especially for introducing people to brandy. Great fruit and oak combo with clear notes (easy bourbon cross-over). Manageable proof. They’re a bargain for their vintages for sure. I’m pleasantly surprised that the pours always seem to exceed my expectation, and I’ve drank through a half dozen different vintages.
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 - Wish I Was Drinking Something Else
2 - Nothing Nice To Say
1 - Drain Pour