Nose Rich, concentrated. Phenomenally powerful and yet at the same time exceptionally fresh, the initial nose is full of tertiary aromas: floating dust, black liquorice, chocolate, leather, roasted fig, truffle, etc. It develops with slightly burnt, jammy notes (blackcurrant) and rhubarb. Unbelievably deep, it has stood the test of time with panache and generosity. Havana cigar smoke then drifts over the aromatic palette.
Palate Lively, juicy. Underpinned by a remarkably fruity acidity produced by the Sherry, the opening digs a deep furrow and shifts the spotlight to notes of soil, liquorice, noble spices (saffron, cardamom) and heady florals (freesia, hyacinth). Red (strawberry, redcurrant) and ripe fruit (russet apples, apricots) suddenly appear on the mid-palate. Little by little, it becomes vanilla-flavoured and roasted.
Finish Long, silky. Velvety tannins flood each and every taste bud. Most of the fruit is still present. Intimately close to the palate, it takes its time in developing notes of tobacco, raisins and black olives. The retro-nasal olfaction is warm, voluminous (taffeta, silk) and fruity (wild strawberry, blueberry). The empty glass has an amazingly young expression, dominated by malted barley.