Nose

Vanilla custard, toffee apple, pear, and a hint of cedarwood. White grape, elderflower, and gentle aniseed. Generous woody spice. Brown bread dough and olive oil. Millionaire shortbread.

Palate

Medium. Oily mouthfeel. Fruitcake notes (currants, candied peel, almond, crystallised ginger, marzipan). Sweet black tea. Dusty spices: cumin, pepper, turmeric. Rich vanilla and crème caramel.

Finish

Medium-long. Warming, spicy, and tannic, with gentle citrus notes and vanilla.

Comment

For a style that is famed for softness, this has real guts. Impressive.