Origin and production
This vintage Bas-Armagnac was distilled in 1967 by Maison Delord at Lannepax in Gascony. The house works with traditional regional grapes including Ugni Blanc, Colombard, Folle Blanche and Baco, grown on the sandy, iron-tinged soils that give Bas-Armagnac its reputation for fragrant, supple spirit.
Wine was distilled in a traditional copper Armagnac still, then matured in French oak in the Delord cellars until the house judged it ready. Oak ageing develops colour, texture and spice; once transferred from cask and bottled, Armagnac no longer continues to mature, so the 1967 date identifies the distillation vintage rather than time spent ageing in glass.
Tasting notes
Appearance
Deep amber-mahogany with bright copper highlights and slow, rich legs.
Nose
Dried apricot, baked apple and orange peel are layered with vanilla, toasted almond and cedar. Honey, rancio and soft baking spice emerge gradually in the glass.
Palate
Silky and rounded, with caramelised nuts, prune and apple framed by polished oak. Liquorice and warm spice bring definition before a long finish of dried fruit, vanilla and walnut.
Serving suggestions
Enjoy neat in a tulip-shaped glass at cool room temperature, allowing several minutes for the aromas to open. It pairs well with tarte Tatin, dark chocolate, walnut cake or a mature blue cheese, though its complexity rewards unaccompanied sipping.
Background story
Prosper Delord founded the house in 1893 after working as an itinerant distiller. Maison Delord remains family-run in Lannepax, where successive generations have maintained historic copper stills, extensive ageing cellars and a remarkable library of vintage Armagnacs.
A vintage Armagnac offers a direct connection to a single harvest year, but the exact bottling and cask history should be taken from the label or accompanying documentation. Store upright, away from light and temperature extremes; after opening, keep tightly sealed to protect its aromatics.
