Nose

Grainy from the off, but just a little more pot still sturdiness than of yore. A touch fruity but overall quite uninspiring.

Palate

Much more toffee-vanilla than in recent years; enormously soft and completely lacking richness.

Finish

Dries as the oak takes over; becomes even bitter.

Comment

An unwieldy blend which disappoints thanks to its refusal to offer anything but a grainy, almost metallic hardness against an uncomplex softness.