Taster

Nose: Assertive sherry. Rich chocolate. Walnut peel. Dates. Raisins. Prunes. Overcooked plum jam. Burnt applewood. Bittersweet apples.

Palate: Sweet at start then astringent wood raids tastebuds, sweeping out the dried fruit sweetness.

Finish: Dry, grippy, bitter. A touch of sweetness coming back.

Comment: A PX sherry first fill? Fine if you like oak infusion. Clings on your palate for ages. Too oaky to be OK.

Score: 7

Taster

Nose: Very deep in colour and aroma. Big, resinous and perfumed: fig jam, autumn bonfire, late-blooming roses, PX, musky. Leather.

Palate: Dull and over-wooded. High tannins and over-stewed tea. A tale of two halves. Inhale only.

Finish: Bitter bitter bitter. Mouth drying.

Comment: Old and over the hill.

Score: 6.5