Maison Ryst-Dupeyron Armagnac de Collection, Réserve Joseph, The Vintages Case: 1 Bottle Each: 2003,, 2003

Armagnac de Collection, Réserve Joseph, Maison Ryst-Dupeyron
A pale amber hue and initial esters of pear drop and wood varnish betray a luxurious nose of stewed apricots, dried fig, gingerbread and toffee. The palate is driven by a rich mêlée of peach, peach blossom, various dried fruits, marmalade and toffee. A sustained, fruit-filled finish shows impeccable balance. This is a class act.–MP

Armagnac de Collection, Réserve Joseph, Maison Ryst-Dupeyron
A powerful and complex nose with an appealing prickle of pear drop which highlights the robust character shaped by apricot, sultana, prune and dried flowers. This is a gorgeous glass of artisanal Armagnac, brooding with toffee and prune overlaid with exotic spice, sandalwood, clove, orange blossom and gingerbread. It is unschooled and unrepentantly sauvage but capped by a well-judged finish.–MP

Armagnac de Collection, Réserve Joseph, Maison Ryst-Dupeyron
A deep amber hue and complex, aromatic and pleasantly forward nose of banana, mango, pear drop, sultana and allspice. The woody notes are there on the palate, but they are driven by sultana, lemon, gingerbread, allspice, pear and mango, filling the mouth in jovial fashion. The finish is a trilogy of ripe fruit, feinty notes and a little oak.–MP