Taster

Nose: Syrupy figs, almond oil, chopped walnuts, toffee pennies and rich fruit cake. Greenhouse notes, with geraniums and green tomatoes, then meringue sweetness.

Palate: Earthy smoked notes, fruit salad of peach, apricot and apple. Then there’s a little aniseed heat, madeira cake, toffee sauce and almonds.

Finish: Desiccated almonds and a prickle of heat.

Comment: It’s nicely balanced and flavoursome, especially considering the heat.

Score: 8

Taster

Nose: A little reserved, but in time comes tart red apple and ripe banana, cookie dough and blossom honey. With a little digging there’s almond and delicate florals.

Palate: Medium bodied. Overripe apple and pear builds in intensity. Toffee chews and lemon oils. Cantaloupe and subtle herbs, somewhere between Lillet Blanc and sweet vermouth.

Finish: Medium length. Those delicate fruits and herbs linger.

Comment: An elegant and refined dram with real complexity.

Score: 8.2