Taster

Nose: Intense. Oaky and earthy. Heavily sherried. Damp cider cellar. Humus. Hint of mushrooms. Bitter marmalade. Dried apples. Touch of nutmeg.

Palate: Sweet at first then the oak grip makes it very astringent. Bitter chocolate and marmalade again. Wood is overwhelming.

Finish: Dry, astringent with a sweet aftertaste.

Comment: Probably a sherry first fill. The wood is the leader. Fruit is in an oaky cage. I know some people love it that way. I look for more balance.

Score: 7.7

Taster

Nose: A little musty, dunnage warehouses, alcohol and damp wood. Then peaches, meringue and lemon curd. Dusty, like walking in a sawmill.

Palate: Pineapples, orange liqueur laced pancakes, marmalade cake, the wood is still here with oak spices.

Finish: Alcohol dries with sugared almonds.

Comment: Water helps tame the alcohol and amplifies the sweetness.

Score: 7.9