Taster

Nose: From the pink colour, a port finish. Light and fruity but rather restrained. Earthy peat.

Palate: Smoky and sweet. Hint of light fruit. Redcurrant. A cheesy note.

Finish: Warm, slightly burning, dry.

Comment: That cheesy note on the palate is disturbing. And the finish is harsh. Water smoothes it but tones the flavours down as well.

Score: 7.3

Taster

Nose: The colour of an Australian rose wine and the aroma of cranberry, jam skimmings, raspberry and a little whiff of damp grass.

Palate: As the nose suggests, very fruity but also with a little hint of charred smoke. Much more complex - blueberries, marzipan/cherry stone. Punchy.

Finish: Long and fruity.

Comment: A balance struck between spirit and oak(s). It shouldn't work, but it does.

Score: 7.8