Taster

Nose: Deep and mature yet with sufficient freshness to give it lift. Humus and fresh fennel. Quite restrained yet funky.

Palate: Good feel. Creamy, sweet and quite hot with a deep, solid centre. Light tannins. Powerful with real depth. Blossoms on the back palate.

Finish: Rich and fruity.

Comment: Does that paradoxical and very Japanese thing of being able to have real lift while going deep at the same time.

Score: 7.8

Taster

Nose: Rich, complex oaky notes which slowly unwind to release stewed fruit. Cooked apricots. Apple compote. Wood is well integrated. When aerated, some luscious coffee notes.

Palate: Frisky, a bit sharp. Gets sherbety. Then a malty sweetness tries to calm the game but spices block the way.

Finish: Dry, biting, spicy.

Comment: The nose does not say it all. The old man is still sprightly.

Score: 7.8