Taster

Nose: Resiny. Intense. An elegant oaky profile with a concentrated fruity richness. Apricot and marzipan pie. Toasted raisin buns. Beautiful creaminess.

Palate: Dry at the start then opening up on creamy toffee flavours. Oak is never far away though.

Finish: Dry, slightly bitter. Liquorice, chocolate, coffee.

Comment: The nose promised more smoothness. Quite an austere character on the palate but with a lot of class.

Score: 7.5

Taster

Nose: Rich and mature. Syrupy notes, ginger preserve, fudge, steamed spice pudding, marmalade, honey, hard toffee. Layered, nutty.

Palate: Ripe. Very full bodied. Explosive spiciness: nutmeg, clove, cinnamon, but all bedded down in sweet ripe fruits. Even some passion fruit. Complex.

Finish: Spicy, tingling.

Comment: Layered, multifaceted, excellent.

Score: 8.5