Armagnac 2005

Six houses, one vintage

With seven references, 2005 is one of the best represented years in our cellar. It is an opportunity to compare: the same harvest, but different terroirs, grape varieties, casks and strengths. Here is what makes each bottle special, based on the information published by the houses.

• Château de Millet, in Eauze, in Bas-Armagnac: a 2005 at 42% ABV, made from baco and ugni blanc, vinified and then distilled on the estate by the Dèche family, grower-producers for five generations. It comes in 70 cl, delivered in a wooden case, and in a 250 cl Gascon pot. The vineyard is certified Haute Valeur Environnementale level 3. The house does not publish a tasting note for this vintage;
• Armagnac Delord, a family house in Lannepax founded in 1893: a pure 2005, with no blending of other years, aged in Gascon oak casks and brought down to 40% ABV;
• Château de Bordeneuve, in Castelnau d'Auzan: a brut de fût at 49% ABV, from ugni blanc and baco. The house describes a pale yellow colour with golden highlights, a fine and elegant nose of plum, peach and vanilla, a round and mellow palate, and a long, slightly woody prune finish;
• Dartigalongue, in Nogaro since 1838: a 2005 at 42% ABV, with a nose of caramelised fruit, citrus zest and roasted notes, and a fairly round palate of coconut and vanilla, between fruit and tannins;
• Clés des Ducs, a house whose history begins in 1774 in Panjas, in the Gers: a 2005 at 40% ABV, a brandy from a single year, unblended;
• Domaine de Pellehaut, in Montréal-du-Gers, in Ténarèze: a brut de fût at 50% ABV, 100% folle blanche, distilled in a wood-fired still and aged in 400 litre casks of oak from the estate and from the Limousin. Tawny colour with amber highlights, a nose of fruit, liquorice and lime blossom, a palate of fresh plum: the house describes it as a young brandy full of punch. Gold medal at the Concours Général Agricole de Paris 2022 and at the IWSC 2020.

Reduced or brut de fût: two styles

Four of these bottles are reduced, meaning brought down to 40 or 42% ABV by adding water before bottling: they are softer and more approachable. The other two, Bordeneuve and Pellehaut, are brut de fût armagnacs, bottled at their natural strength, around 50% ABV. More intense, they are best tasted with a little patience, or even with a drop of water added for those who wish.

2005, a vintage from a single year

The vintage indicates the year of harvest. A 2005 vintage armagnac therefore comes exclusively from the 2005 harvest, whereas a VSOP, an XO or a hors d'âge blends several ages. In France that year, on 29 May, voters rejected by referendum the treaty establishing a constitution for Europe (source: Wikipedia, article "Référendum français sur le traité établissant une constitution pour l'Europe"). As for the harvest itself, we have no producer assessment, so we do not give one.

The path is the same as for the whole appellation. A dry white wine, made from ugni blanc, baco, folle blanche or colombard depending on the estate, is distilled continuously in winter in the armagnac still. The brandy then ages in oak casks, in the cellar. Once in the bottle, it no longer evolves: the bottling date, when it appears on the label, as with Millet, tells you how many years this 2005 spent in wood.

Tasting notes for a 20 year old armagnac

At around twenty years old, an armagnac keeps its freshness. In the 2005s in our selection, you find fruit, plum, peach, citrus, then vanilla, caramel and wood that is still present without dominating. The 100% folle blanche from Montréal-du-Gers plays on liveliness; the Bordeneuve and the Dartigalongue focus on roundness. This age also lends itself to freer uses than a very old vintage: as a digestif of course, but also, for the reduced versions, as an aperitif over a little ice or in a cocktail with character.

For a classic tasting, choose a tulip glass, serve at room temperature, wait a few minutes, then taste in small sips. A square of dark chocolate or a prune tart go well with it.

A gift for a 21st birthday

In 2026, people born in 2005 celebrate their 21st birthday, and couples married that year their 21st wedding anniversary. A 2005 vintage has aged for the same length of time as they have: a meaningful gift, to open straight away or to keep for later, since it will no longer change in the bottle. The wooden case from Millet or Bordeneuve dresses up the present; the 250 cl Gascon pot is designed for a large gathering.

To keep it, store the bottle upright, away from light and heat. Unopened, it keeps for years; once opened, for a few months.

One year later? See our 2006 armagnac.

Frequently asked questions about 2005 armagnac

What is the best 2005 armagnac?

It all depends on your taste. For softness, a reduced 2005, such as Delord, Millet or Dartigalongue; for intensity, a brut de fût, Bordeneuve or Pellehaut. The gold medals mentioned above can also guide your choice.

What grape varieties are used in 2005 armagnac?

Baco and ugni blanc at Millet and Bordeneuve, 100% folle blanche at Pellehaut. The other houses do not specify the grape varieties of this vintage.

How much does a 2005 armagnac cost?

Prices vary according to the estate, the size (70 cl or 250 cl Gascon pot) and the strength. Each product page shows the house, the bottle size and the price.

Where can I buy a 2005 armagnac?

At Plaisirs de Gascogne, an online shop specialising in vintage armagnacs: the bottles come directly from the houses of the South West, payment is secure and delivery is available in France and across Europe.

Discover all our vintage armagnacs, year by year.

Please enjoy responsibly. Excessive alcohol consumption is harmful to health.