Taster

Nose: Blossom honey, and the delicate florals of honeysuckle and chamomile. Cedarwood and thyme. Underneath, malted loaf. With time, caramel waffles and vanilla, then beef stock and burnt toast.

Palate: Medium. Salted caramel on baked green apples, and some nutmeg and cinnamon. Shredded wheat cereal. The savoury stock note returns, backed by stewed plums.

Finish: Medium, on apple core and raisins.

Comment: A dependable blend with lots to like.

Score: 8.0

Taster

Nose: Red apples coated in toffee. A dark grain note, almost rye-like, and wheat cereal biscuits with milk and honey. Rich vanilla and mandarin segments. Hints of raisin and pencil eraser, and the faintest whiff of smoke.

Palate: Medium. Applesauce and hints of apple skin. Toasted tea cakes studded with raisins and slathered in honey. Vanilla cookie and orange peel. Some toasted-wood tannins. Later, savoury corn.

Finish: Medium-long, slightly drying. On apple, orange, and a whisper of smoke.

Comment: Nice complexity and balance.

Score: 8.0