Baron de Sigognac 10yo

The Guasch family have been in Gascony since the 12th century. They have owned the cháteau at Bordeneuve since 1974. They are one of the region's largest courtier and negociant operations. Today, the father-and-son team of Jean-Claude and Thomas look after viticulture, vinification and distillation.

Bordeneuve has 60 hectares dedicated to vineyards; 75% are planted with ugni blanc and the rest with baco. The vineyards are superbly situated on very fine clay-sand soils, which are high in acidity and in some places mixed with iron, the colour of which gives rise to the name sables fauves or tawny sands. Boulbéne topsoil, the characteristic regional sediment, is rich in limestone.

There is one short column still at the domaine (almost 100 years old), which produces up to 50 casks of new spirit annually. The wine is distilled on its lees, and drawn off at 55%, depending on the harvest. Distillation is continuous through day and night and manually controlled to account for temperature and humidity changes. A second ambulant still is shortly to be installed permanently in the domaine.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Very supple with notes of cinnamon and nutmeg, sweet vanilla notes and a lovely array of fresh flowers and orange peel.

Palate: Rich and earthy with notes of conserves and peels, butterscotch, sweet spices, oak.

Finish: A superb finish with marzipan, hazelnut and custard.