| Rich Howard | the nose is light and clean, with subtle notes of lemon, fresh leaves, polished oak, fresh varnish, hints of rubber garden hose, cold butter, olive oil, dry rocks or clay, even some black dirt. all very reserved... nothing here that clamors for attention. with time it warms a bit with warm butter and olive oil, soft butterscotch, fresh pears, peach skins, apricot brioche, vanilla and a gentle nutiness (fresh walnuts, raw natural sliced almonds). the palate is more robust than suggested by the nose, briskly sweet with tangerine, sweet orange creme, chocolate toffee, hints of warm caramel, salted butter and plenty of toasted cardamon on the finish. with a drop of water, the nose sweetens and adds fruit, matching the palate a bit more, plenty of that apricot brioche, but also some coffee cake, toffee and light caramel here as well, infused by warm unsalted butter, still some fresh and roasted nuts, and some subtle vegetal notes. the palate is smoother now, still nicely sweet with apricots and tangerines, candied orange peel, olive oil, hints of rice pudding with sliced almonds and cardamon on the finish. summary: a pleasant balance between fresh fruits, fruit pastry and earthy notes of olive oil, cardamon and oak. try it with and without water; i think this one will take you on a journey. [tasted blind for the 2011 Awards] |
