A truly exceptional discovery for the discerning collector, this is a single vintage Bas-Armagnac from Château de Salles, distilled in the celebrated 1962 harvest. This bottle represents a pure, unblended snapshot of a single year from Gascony's most prestigious terroir. Produced by Michel Hebert, a propriétaire-récoltant (owner-harvester), this Armagnac is a testament to the art of a single estate, capturing the essence of its vineyard and the specific climate of that year.
The Bas-Armagnac appellation is renowned for producing the most elegant and aromatic eaux-de-vie, thanks to its unique sandy soils. A vintage expression like this 1962 is a rarity, having been aged for decades in oak casks to develop its profound complexity. Unlike blended spirits, this Armagnac is the singular result of one harvest, distilled and aged to perfection, offering a unique journey into the heritage of French brandy.
Presented in a traditional squat, onion-shaped bottle—a historic style known as a "pot" or "basquaise"—this release is as visually captivating as it is historically significant. Its remarkable state of preservation, combined with its provenance from a named, independent producer, elevates its status as a highly desirable collector's item. This bottle is a tangible piece of Gascon history, embodying the craft and patience of generations.
The bottle's presentation speaks to its distinguished age and authenticity. A small, oval upper label clearly displays the vintage year, 1962, in a bold, clear font. Below it, the main oval label, framed by a red border, features "Armagnac" and "Château de Salles" in elegant, decorative script. The official designation APPELLATION BAS-ARMAGNAC CONTROLEE is present, along with the producer's name, Michel HEBERT, and his status as "propriétaire-récoltant." The label also specifies the 70 cl volume, 44% vol. alcohol content, and the estate's location in Salles d'Armagnac. A circular red ink stamp for "CONTROLE" adds another layer of period authenticity.
This vintage Armagnac is housed in a classic "basquaise" style bottle, characterized by its distinctive squat body and long, slender neck. The neck is crafted from green glass, while the body appears nearly black, protecting the precious contents. The original yellow-gold capsule, while showing authentic aging through fading and fine cracks, remains securely fastened, preserving the integrity of the closure.
The overall condition of this bottle is exceptional for its more than half-century of age. The liquid fill level is excellent, resting high in the neck well above the shoulder. This indicates consistent and careful storage throughout its life, making it a pristine example of vintage Armagnac from a bygone era.
This product is from a private seller. Please be aware that cabinet7 merely provides a platform to buy and sell. When sold, the seller will pack the bottle themselves and send it to the buyer. We do our best to make this process as smooth as possible, however there may be some delay.
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Max von Olfers
Max von Olfers is the founder of cabinet7, and has 10 years of experience with collector item appraisals. The oldest Cognac Max has consumed is from 1855.
Malte Lukowski
Malte Lukowski runs the operations & collector item departments at cabinet7, and has 4 years of experience with collector item appraisals. The oldest Cognac Malte has consumed is from 1920.
