Rich Howard | strong, tart fruit notes: blueberry preserves and orange marmalade, black cherry, apricot brioche, fresh walnuts and sugared pecans, black restaurant coffee, with fresh marshmallows in the background, hints of glove leather, fresh candles. the palate follows suit, spicy and nicely sweet, with cherry danish, a little cough syrup, cinnamon, roasted nuts, plenty of black coffee and tobacco on the finish. a drop of water adds a creaminess to the nose, cherry cream cheese danish, creme brulee, scottish shortbread, pecan candies, and black cherry and fresh tobacco on the tail. the palate hasn't changed as much as the nose, maybe more leather, coffee and tobacco now, especially on the finish. summary: dark fruit preserves and fruit pastries with tobacco and leather, and plenty of tannins that don't overwhelm. water will take you on a journey, especially on the nose. [tasted blind for the 2011 Awards] |