Taster

Nose: Flat Coca Cola, rum steeped cassia bark, hints of anise, big rancio /mushroomy earthiness and overcooked gingerbread.

Palate: Chop-smackingly dry and bold on the tongue. This one will immediately divide opinion: too dry and woody, or just brutally direct and unapologetic?

Finish: Dry, slightly bitter and meaty.

Comment: On one hand, I admire how one-dimensional this is, but it isn't going to be for everyone.

Score: 7.7

Taster

Nose: Some colour to this and the nose follows it. Deep, dark and resinous. Violin cases, treacle toffee, Parkin cake, daffodils and a meaty edge, seared steak. BBQ sauce, ploughed earth. A hint of soy sauce, mirin and mushroom stroganoff.

Palate: Heavy oak influence, that seared steak note, plum and bacon jam. Tomato stalks. Bitter lettuce, Lollo Rosso. Fragrant Turkish coffee.

Finish: Astringent, drying, so sherried.

Comment: Boom! A serious sherry bomb.

Score: 8.1