1996 L'Encantada 21 Year Old "Lous Pibous #152" Bas-Armagnac (750ml)

The now famous Lous Pibous (The Poplars) is located in the prime growing area of Bas-Armagnac. The reclusive owners of the estate, who are yet to be identified and have caretakers who manage and live at the property, had made Armagnac for decades before deciding to get serious about it in the late 80s. The converted all their vineyards to the finicky Folle Blanche grape because they were convinced that it had potential to produce the finest eau-de-vie. They built a new dry cellar on high ground right next to the family home. They purchased new casks for vintage of production and enlisted the regions finest itinerant distillers. Then these exceptional eau-de-vie were left to mature with almost no traditional élevage. After nearly two decades of ultra high quality production, the family decided to lease the vineyards to wine producers and stopped investing in their Armagnac program. Without a marketing apparatus there was no way to recoup the investment in these high end products as the large negociant offered the same prices regardless of quality. This stash of extraordinary Armagnac was the catalyst for the creation of L"Encantada, who were willing to offer well above market rate because this group of enthusiasts who saw great opportunity were comfortable with their plan b, "if we can't sell it, we'll just drink it." Luckily they left us a little.