Taster

Nose: Dark, with great waves of oakiness: cherry stone, old leather, treacle toffee, vanilla pod. Given a lift with sugary notes and a sprig of mint.

Palate: Tannic. Marmalade, sweet fruits masked by the oak. Water calms it, but the oak is assertive.

Finish: Dry and oaky.

Comment: All that candy floss, toffee apple and wood reminded me of fairgrounds.

Score: 7.5

Taster

Nose: Burnt sugar. Molasses. Phenol.

Palate: Chewy malt loaf. Raisins. Burnt toast.

Finish: Not so much fiery as tingling.

Comment: The nose suggested an astringent palate, but there is some balancing sweetness.

Score: 7.3