Taster

Nose: Definitely on the sherry side. Caramelised nuts, almost praline. Old leather. Sweet bakery notes: crème caramel, marmalade. A distant bacon echo.

Palate: Velvety, sweet at start then spices and chocolate burst. Ginger, red chilli. Marzipan.

Finish: Long, sweet and nutty.

Comment: A bold character. Rich, sherry-armoured. Dangerously palatable even without water.

Score: 7.8

Taster

Nose: Robust. Starts with cream toffee, honey, light cereal/hay. Then stewed autumn fruits, cake mix, toasted almond, raisins, maple syrup.

Palate: Tongue-coating. Deep. Dried fruits. A good attack with a sweet concentrated start. Good balance. Cognac like.

Finish: Spicy. Tingling and dry.

Comment: Fine mix of dry and savoury. A grower.

Score: 8.3