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A refined, elegantly crafted single domaine Armagnac, created by the renowned Darroze family, who for over seven decades have embodied the Bas-Armagnac region’s tradition of excellence and craftsmanship. This release — a Domaine de Rieston distillate — was distilled in 1997 and aged for more than 25 years in oak casks, achieving a harmonious balance between fruitiness, oak maturity, and delicate spice nuances.
The Domaine de Rieston estate lies in the very heart of Bas-Armagnac, a region celebrated for its “sables fauves” — sandy soils rich in iron oxides that lend spirits lightness, minerality, and natural elegance. This terroir produces Armagnacs distinguished by their fruity freshness, soft texture, and long, graceful finish.
On the nose, it opens with a bouquet of ripe pears, dried apricots, honey, vanilla, and gentle caramel notes. Hints of oak, tobacco, cedar, and subtle spices emerge in the background, adding depth and warmth. The aroma is mature yet vibrant, retaining the freshness that defines the Bas-Armagnac style.
On the palate, it is smooth, balanced, and slightly oily, offering layers of honey, vanilla, dried fruits, chocolate, and oak spice. Gradually, figs, orange peel, and toffee nuances unfold. The texture is silky, and the finish is medium-long, warm, and delicately spiced, with lingering notes of tobacco and honey.
A mature yet lively and elegant Armagnac, in which the Darroze family’s precision meets the purity and finesse of the Domaine de Rieston terroir. Domaine de Rieston 1997 is a classic Bas-Armagnac, maintaining a perfect harmony between youthful fruit and mature warmth — an ideal choice for refined tasting or collectors seeking the authentic flavor of time captured in a glass.
The story of this family Armagnac began with Jean Darroze – a renowned and passionate regional chef. Together with his son Francis, and inspired by their family’s culinary tradition, he started collecting Armagnacs from various estates across the region. Later, Francis’s son Marc joined his father, and together they became the famous “Treasure Hunters,” as one French author called them – tireless explorers of the secrets behind this golden spirit.
Today, the company is led by Marc. Darroze family Armagnacs are recognised as some of the most highly regarded in the world.
