The Domaine d’Espérance, located 90mn South of Bordeaux, in Gascony in the middle of Grand Bas-Armagnac, has been known for its Armagnac for a very long time. In 1990, Jean-Louis and Claire de Montesquiou bought the domain, which had been somewhat neglected.  After restoring the property they began producing wines, while the armagnac was aging in the old cellars.  The XO is first aged in new cask made of local wood from the Gasony forrest for a about one year. Then moved into older Gascon wood barrels for the remaining aging process. This is a blend of 4 different vintages. The youngest Armagnac in the blend has been aged 10 years in gascon oak casks. No additives.  This is not your Grandpa’s Armagnac. It is soft and elegant giving off notes of peach, burnt orange peel, vanilla and cacao undertones.