Rich Howard | the nose holds warm and inviting notes of plum pudding, maybe even berry kefir, pears, fresh cream, silvered almonds, apple cider, amaretto even, milk chocolate, hint of cardamon and cinnamon. quite a range of notes here, but all very subtle, and they all work well together. the palate is rich with spiced fruits and brown sugar, and spicy notes of cinnamon and cardamon on the finish. with water, the nose holds berry custard on buttered crust, with plenty of those holiday spices, even light hints of cloves now. the palate is still rich and thick with spicy fruits and honey, leather and oak. well integrated, and well balanced. summary: spicy dark fruits, not shy on the vanilla and cream. [tasted blind for the 2011 Awards] |