Robert Karlsson | This is an evil evil nose. So packed-full of wood-influence, figs, old leather jackets, ancient classic cars, cuban cigars and furnace smoke. Brutal. Yeah, in sync with that fabulously massive nose. This one is pretty grand. So dark in style, a bomb. |
Rich Howard | the deepest and richest of fruits on the nose, fresh figs, rhubarb pie, spice cake, red grapefruit and orange marmalade, with twigs, grape seeds, tobacco, plenty of leather, mushrooms, dark chocolate and brown sugar. the palate is intense, quite spicy and tannic, with mulled wine, tons of dark fruits, raisins, glove leather, tobacco, black coffee, mushrooms, a hint of vanilla, cinnamon and cloves on the finish. a drop of water is not necessary, but will be added in the interests of science. the drop of water did next to nothing... maybe a bit more twigs and a hint more vanilla. the palate is just as rich and robust, all the same elements as before, maybe slightly sweeter now. summary: this is quite simply a huge sherried dram, quite spicy, full of rich fruits, earthy notes and just enough wood... superb. [tasted blind for the 2011 Awards] |