eGOTA x SWELL DE SPIRITS HONTAMBERE 1989 55,9%
Hints of Tenareze
Released as a collaboration between GOTA and Swell de Spirits, this Hontambère 1989 comes from the lost Domaine de Pouchégu, located in Ténareze. Distilled from Ugni Blanc grapes and aged for 33 years in wet-cellar conditions, it was bottled at cask strength (55.9%). Let’s go!
Colour: Dark amber with golden lights. Irregular heavy tears.
Nose: Full of exotic notes at first, with roasted pineapple, papaya, and ripe tropical fruit. The influence of Gascony oak is clear, yet the fruit remains at the forefront. A slightly rum-like profile emerges, reminiscent of certain Foursquare expressions. Warm spicy notes follow, mainly on paprika and caraway, giving a generous and inviting nose.
Palate: Surprising kick of acidity. More Bourbon-like than expected, with violet sweets and creamy vanilla tones. Clear Tenareze DNA to my mind. Delicate citrus shades unfold, orange blossom, lemon zest cake, bringing freshness to the structure. The empyreumatic side is well-handled, showing just a touch of burnt wood and black pepper without heaviness.
Last Notes: Gains freshness with air. Floral notes intensify, especially on orange blossom, followed by sunny pinewood and melon jam shades that even recall certain Bois Ordinaires profiles.
A funky, characterful kind of Armagnac with a bright and lively profile. Very enjoyable, though I miss a bit of depth to push it beyond this range.
My very subjective note: 88+/100
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