Description
Silas Marcellin is the grandson of Louis Marcellin, a renowned producer of Armagnac Ténarèze since 1962. In 2011, Silas took over the family estate, continuing the work across three core activities: winemaking, distillation, and prune cultivation. Today the domaine spans 46 hectares and produces Côtes de Gascogne wines, Armagnac, Floc de Gascogne, and Agen prunes. Armagnac was distilled by a traveling distiller until 1986, after which the family still took over. This 1979 was therefore distilled by the travelling still. Distillation now takes place on a restored 15‑plate Bardinet column still, a design well known to rhum agricole producers for its precision and aromatic clarity. The Ugni Blanc grapes, grown on clay‑limestone soils, yield Armagnacs that are both complex and powerful.
Why the weathervane on the front label? On the various visits made to the domaine, the weathervane with the pigeon perched on top always seemed to be watching over the house, the vines, and the dovecote, acting like a witness to past and present – and perhaps gazing into the future. It stood out on several occasions and so seemed like a good fit this front label.
For this edition, the amateur jury consisted of Steve Ury (USA), Valentin Audurier (France) and Sebastian Nadal (UK).
This 1979 Armagnac Ténarèze from Bourdilet was agreed upon by the jury for its abundance of bright citrusy fruits, floral perfume-like aroma, and generous rancio. Steve was first picked up on malty whisky-like notes and as it opened even could have placed it in Cognac’s Petite Champagne. “Very fruity, very nice” he concluded. Valentin appreciated the “high level acidity” and “zesty citrus” and commented on the nice rancio that gives the Armagnac tremendous charm. Sebastian was particularly impressed by the Armagnac’s “floral perfumery,” “bright and zingy citrus,” and observed a nice complexity, something different to anything he has every tried before. “Endless on the finish” he concluded.
All three tasters agreed on its zesty citrus, floral perfume, and complex and rounded nature. It’s a mature Armagnac showing signature Ténarèze structure and much more: citrus fruit, rancio, and the depth and complexity that only decades in oak can give.
Grape: 100% Ugni Blanc
Age: 46 years old
ABV: 49.5% – natural color, no additives (sugar, color), no chill‑filtration
Bottle size: 700ml
Tasting Note
Nose: floral, malty and whisky-like, zesty citrus, musc, cola nuts, generous rancio, complex
Mouth: bright zingy citrus, high acidity, rancio, complexity, good present fruit. Eucalyptus, licorice, and jasmine appear with a drop of water (it takes a drop of water well)
Finish: Extremely long, acidity, salinity, citrus
Important note for the USA:
Our US transport partner ships via FedEx. All import duties and customs fees are included in the price. Your package arrives in the US fully cleared with all taxes paid. Shipping is optimized for 3, 6, or 12 bottles, with degressive rates applied at checkout:
- 1–3 bottles: €55 (€18 euros per bottle for 3 bottles shipped)
- 4–6 bottles: €65 (€11 euros per bottle for 6 bottles shipped)
- 7–12 bottles: €75 (€7 euros per bottle for 12 bottles shipped)
Please note: Amateur Spirit is a pre-buy bottling. The period of sale is open for 16 days, then closed. There is a maximum amount of bottles possible (what’s left in the barrel). Once the 16 days are over (maybe less if all the bottles are sold), the bottling starts at the domaine, the labels will be printed, the bottles will be labeled, and then shipped from France.
