Chateau Tariquet Folle Blanche 12 years

Spirit Name: Spirit Type:	Chateau Tariquet Folle Blanche 12 years Brandy
Score:	86/100
ABV:	48.5%
Region:	Bas-Armagnac, France
Body:	Medium
Intensity:	Medium
Texture:	Smooth
Balance:	Superb
Best served: Grape:	Neat Folle blanche
Theme(s):	Tart, spicy, pepper, dry, citrus, under-ripe fruit, peppermint, nutmeg, wood notes, chocolate, green pineapple, papaya, bitter and earthy nuts (hazelnuts, Brazil nuts)
Summary:
Tasting notes:	Nose: Fresh crisp lemon rind citrus notes strike the nose with flecks of granular cereal and a dry astringency that morphs back and forth from super dry white wine to wood varnish. Whatever fruit there is on the nose is under-ripe, as wood notes and acidity quickly cover any brief shimmers of sweetness - this is dry on the nose, with a sharpness and tartness for which folle blanche is famous. Within the dryness and spiciness shines some mild nutty notes, almost like hazelnuts and Brazil nuts.  Taste: Despite its dry nose, this Armagnac offers a delightful experience on the palate. Starting dry, the fruit notes dominate more than on the nose with grape and fig adding a sweetness that is interrupted by green pineapple and papaya. There is a herbaceous twang that, without warning, dries the palate as nutmeg and wood notes linger beside the fruit and fiery pepper. There is something distinctive and enjoyable about this Armagnac, a note that cannot quite be identified with accuracy but which resembles earthy and bitter varieties of nits (hazelnuts, Brazil nuts) with peppermint candy - a hot Fisherman's friend calmed by sweet fruit notes and some chocolate, as it rests alongside the peppery and sweet papaya seeds.  Finish: Mild papaya flesh with passion fruit and a spicy heat. Burn baby burn!
Likes:	Fresh, crisp, spicy, dry, distinctive
Warning:	Recommended only for people who appreciate folle blanche