Review: 1985 Domaine des Pouzets Marc du Languedoc
1985 Domaine des Pouzets Marc du Languedoc - 40%
From Fine Drams marketing copy: Languedoc-Roussillon is an area of southern France which borders the Mediterranean sea. The region produces enormous quantities of wine, but is also home to several spirits and liqueurs, most notably Fines des Languedoc and Marc du Languedoc, which is an eau-de-vie made with the skins of grapes that have been pressed for wine.
This spirit was distilled at the Domaine des Pouzets, found in Narbonne, by distiller François Cathala. François uses stills that are hundreds of years old to produce his products. Alongside Marc du Languedoc, he makes Fine Languedoc and pear brandy from his orchard and vineyards. Indeed, François only uses fruits he has grown to make his spirits.
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Notes: It's pretty rotty out the gate - damp leaves, twigs, stems, mushrooms, lemon oil, all backed with caramel undertones. More layered than the younger marc I recently tried and the caramel plays a lot deeper than the more generic burt sugars in the former. Palate follows the nose with decay notes leading - green grapes, pine sol, soggy wood, acidic fruit. Caramel and barrel notes soften the landing in the finish. Flavor is long; heat is low.
Score: 7 (Recommend) Notes are clear and loud start to finish with much better integration on the transitions that the L'Hertitier-Guyot. The additional layers as well and resting/barrel influence seem to have balanced and filled this out. At 40% it isn't lacking in clarity or intensity. I had better success sharing pours of this with less adventurous drinkers than I anticipated.
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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