Chateau Arton Haut-Armagnac Millesime 2009

Chateau Arton makes both wine and brandy, where Patrick de Montal has been producing Armagnac for a relatively young 30-some years. The brand focuses heavily on single-vintage bottlings, one of which we review here along with its unaged fine blanche expression and its more readily available La Reserve expression. Initially bold with heavy raisin and dried floral notes, there’s complexity beneath the more obvious elements, running to roasted walnuts and almonds, plus a hint of saline. The palate is quite racy and a little hot at first, but it works with all the bold flavors in effect.

Punchy with notes of citrus, bay leaf, and a well-spiced layer of raisins, it’s backed up by an ample amount of wood that complements the sweeter characteristics but never overwhelms the experience.