Vintage 1962: "First sniffs reveal deep-seated aromas that are dry, moderately candied and oaky on the surface; with swirling, the bouquet exposes dry aromas of orange pekoe tea, cedar, black pepper and old oak. Flavors of marshmallow, candied almonds, dried apricot and honey get added to the mix at midpalate. Palate: Flavors of marshmallow, candied almonds, dried apricot and honey get added to the mix at midpalate. Finish: Huge depth and multiple layers in the taste and finish phases. A brandy beast to stalk your cellar."
veritaswine.com:
There are very few products whose clear superiority allows them to define their own category. The Armagnacs of Laberdolive, however, have for many years, been objectively regarded as the apotheosis of Armagnac. Just as Nikita Khruschev once diverted his elaborate and heavily-guarded entourage to visit the chais and acquire a prized bottle of the famed Armagnac, so did French President Jacques Chirac bring along a bottle of Laberdolive 1972 to toast his hosts on a recent state visit to China. David Ridgway, chef-sommelier at La Tour d'Argent in Paris, not long ago remarked to The Wine Spectator that Laberdolive has been "considered for a long time to be the benchmark of Armagnac."
