Taster

Nose: Créme brûlée, violet floral notes, raisins and pear drops, leading to shortbread and a waft of maltiness.

Palate: Rich sweetness, pear drops, baked apples, raisins, and underlying honey.

Finish: Creamy, sweet, malty flourish with a hint of dry oak.

Comment: A delicate texture releases growing richness, with a sip turning into a rewarding mouthful.

Score: 7.8

Taster

Nose: Dry, Lemony. Flowery. Camomile.

Palate: Seemed watery for a moment, then opened to delicate, very light, oiliness. Walnut oil. Perhaps even olive oil. A hint of sweet red peppers. Lightly toasted ciabbata bread.

Finish: Oiliness smooths warming alcohol.

Comment: Once a vamp. Now a trouper. She is a little astringent, but I am blind to her faults. I could fall for her all over again.

Score: 7.8