Chateau de Briat Vintage 2004 Folle Blanche Bas-Armagnac

The Chateau de Briat Vintage 2004 Bas-Armagnac is a beautifully expressive vintage Armagnac that showcases the Folle Blanche grape’s signature purity and finesse. The 2004 offering from Château de Briat is elegant yet vibrant, with crystalline fruit, refined spice, and an ethereal texture that speaks to both age and varietal distinction. It’s a compelling choice for lovers of terroir-driven, single-vintage brandies with clarity and character.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Hailing from the Bas-Armagnac cru in southwestern France — the heartland of traditional Armagnac production — Château de Briat has long been celebrated for meticulous, artisanal craft rooted in terroir and grape selection. The 2004 vintage is made predominantly from Folle Blanche, a noble Armagnac grape known for its high acidity, delicate aromatics, and ability to produce spirits with precision and finesse.

Harvested at optimal ripeness, the Folle Blanche fruit was fermented slowly to preserve varietal brightness, then distilled in traditional Armagnac column stills (alambic Armagnacais), which impart a silky texture and nuanced purity. Following distillation, the spirit matured gracefully in local Gascon oak casks, allowing gradual integration of wood influence while preserving the grape’s expressive core. This conscientious process over nearly two decades yields a vintage that feels refined, layered, and distinctly Bas-Armagnac in identity.

Critics Reviews

Armagnac connoisseurs and spirits commentators applaud Château de Briat’s 2004 for its textural elegance and varietal clarity. Critics often highlight how the Folle Blanche component gives the eaux-de-vie a luminous quality and an aromatic precision that sets it apart from darker, heavier brandies. Reviewers note its ability to balance age-induced complexity with youthful vibrancy — a testament to thoughtful aging and the inherent character of the grape.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Bright citrus peel and orchard blossom open with fresh quince, pear, and hints of candied lemon. Delicate spice — white pepper, clove, and ginger — frames a core of honeyed apricot and vanilla bean.

Palate:
Lithe and refined, offering crisp orchard fruit, roasted almond, and marzipan sweetness. Folle Blanche’s natural acidity shines, lending lift to notes of subtle oak, dried apricot, and gentle caramel. A whisper of baking spice builds elegantly without overwhelming the palate.

Finish:
Long, clean, and resonant, with sustained orchard fruit, a touch of salted honey, gentle oak warmth, and a faint herbal edge that lingers beautifully.

Quick Overview