Taster

Nose: Hello there sherry influence; soaked raisins, figs and stewed prunes abound. Hints of marzipan, rich marmalade and wholemeal bread toasted. Black treacle cake too.

Palate: Has all the hallmarks the nose promises, but there is a soft sweetness here too, creamy mozzarella, demerara sugar and manuka honey.

Finish: Dries slowly leaving the tang of Autumn leaves behind.

Comment: One for trying cold from the fridge; well, why not? It has some lovely sherry edges to it.

Score: 7.8

Taster

Nose: Meaty and dark, it’s full of fruit leather, molasses and glazed ham with a Christmassy sherried syrupiness.

Palate: At first a little bitter, all walnuts and polished leather brogues, before things sweeten up into dried citrus peel, prunes, high cocoa chocolate, black treacle and Christmas pudding as well.

Finish: Like nibbling at bitter dark chocolate and dried apricots with a port chaser.

Comment: One for cosying up with under a snuggly blanket.

Score: 7.9