1977 47 Year Old Bas Armagnac Armagnac Sponge No. 03 (70CL)

1977 was a difficult vintage in Gers, with precious little Armagnac produce and even less still available. In steps the Sponge, with a single cask sourced directly from the cellars of Maison Aurian in Condom. On the nose, at once concentrated and full of earthiness and dark fruits, but also possessing a lighter side with a lot of honey and brighter floral aromas. Overall, wonderfully balanced and intricate Armagnac that nods at a Borderies Cognac style in some lights. Superb balance of power and richness with lighter, deft fruit notes, lots of rancio and strong hints of damp tobacco leaf and furniture oils. The finish is long, complicatedly fruity, deeply on rancio and full of similar earthy and honeyed combinations.