Domaine Boingnères

Acquired in 1807 by Jean Boingnères, the ancestor of current owner Martine Lafitte, Domaine Boingnères has been producing high-quality for more than two centuries in La Frêche, often regarded as having the best growing soils in Bas-. Domaine Boingnères’ 21 hectares of vineyards consist of 13 hectares of , the rest split between and Ugni Blanc. Martine Lafitte is considered to be a strict traditionalist, and it’s said that she abhors the Baco grape. It’s no surprise then that she will only release her Armagnac at cask strength , without any reduction in proof.

From Exploring the World of Armagnac (Jul 2018) by Jason Wilson

(Hover(Hover forfor Commentary) Tasting Drinking Release Review ! Vintage Producer Name Notes Score Author Window Price Date

NV Domaine Reserve A blend of brandies aged five to ten years, Domaine 94 Jason $115.00 Jul 2018 Boingnères Speciale Boingnères Reserve Speciale is made from Folle Wilson Armagnac Blanche, Ugni Blanc, and Colombard, and bottled at cask strength. A great example of how Armagnac doesn’t always mean dried fruit and sweet . Pure minerality and racy acidity take the lead here, with fresh fruit on the wonderfully long finish. (Bas-Armagnac, 48% abv.)

-- Jason Wilson

2001 Domaine Folle Blanche At 14 years old, this is a baby version of Lafitte’s longer- 91 Jason $160.00 Jul 2018 Boingnères aged Folle Blanche brandies. A complex nose of orange Wilson zest and pear blossom, but a little hot on the palate and I wish it were a little more balanced. I’ll be interested to see this vintage in future years’ bottlings. (Bas- Armagnac, 49% abv.)

-- Jason Wilson

1985 Domaine Cepages Martine Lafitte insists there are only three “noble” 95 Jason $250.00 Jul 2018 Boingnères Nobles grapes of Armagnac, and this bottling is distilled from Wilson 50% Folle Blanche, 25% Ugni Blanc, and 25% Colombard. Aged for 29 years, this has a complex nose full of swirling spices, tea leaves and tobacco that roll on to the palate as attractive flavors of chocolate, cinnamon, cardamom, and dried fruit. Great mineral finish. (Bas-Armagnac, 49% abv.)

-- Jason Wilson

1981 Domaine Folle Blanche One of the finest examples of 100% Folle Blanche in all 98 Jason $400.00 Jul 2018 Boingnères of Armagnac. This 31-year-old is light copper, with a Wilson complex floral bouquet of rose and almond blossom along with aromas of fig and candied orange that roll onto the palate, developing seamlessly into gingerbread on the midpalate and finishing fresh with notes of mint and licorice and that go on forever. Pretty, delicate, yet still dense and intense. A beautiful spirit that justifies its price. (Bas-Armagnac, 48% abv.)

-- Jason Wilson

1975 Domaine Baco It’s said that Martine Lafitte hates Baco, but this 100% 93 Jason $500.00 Jul 2018 Boingnères Baco bottling was distilled by her late father Leon. This Wilson hedonistic 40-year-old is rich and powerful, with lots of cocoa, prune, and almond, and good length on the finish. It’s age and scarcity is the reason for its price. (Bas-Armagnac, 48% abv.)