1980 Comte Louis de Lauriston Calvados Domfrontais (700ml)

Apple brandies from the 'AOC calvados Domfrontais' region in the south of Calvados are very rarely discovered in Australia. The appellation was created in 1997 and reflects the long tradition of pear orchards in Domfrontais due to the region’s clay and limestone soil which is better suited to the strong, deep roots of pear trees. Consequently, Domfrontais Calvados’s differ from their Pays’d’Auge counterparts by being made from at least 30% pears, as well as the traditional Calvados component of apples. The inclusion of pears makes not only for a lighter-coloured spirit, but also one which emits a more feminine and elegant bouquet. The regulations are otherwise similar to the A.O.C. Calvados and require a three year minimum of ageing in oak barrels; orchards to consist of at least 15% pear trees (25% from the sixteenth harvest) and only the column still is to be used.

Tasting note: The bright gold colour shows excellent purity. An initial varnish note is absorbed into the gorgeous orchard phase that features apple pie and cinnamon followed by the scent of green apple peel which adds freshness. Several minutes in the glass finds succulent notes of stewed apple and pear amidst flashes of varnish. Final stages find apple core with the aromatic richness leveling out. The palate is pleasingly dry, fresh and fruity with a superb sweet / acid balance; mid palate features baked apple, quince paste and fruit pastry flavours. Finish is crisp, light and lip smacking, becoming bone dry as the apple / acid finale fades with excellent length. 42% Alc./Vol.