Nose Fragrant smoke, honey-glazed gammon and a little apricot yoghurt, followed by brown sugar, charred oak and prickly tannins. Gingernut biscuits, white chocolate and lemon sherbets develop, with blackberry jam, oily barley, acacia honey and bittersweet garden herbs arriving soon after.
Palate Thick, oily and sublime, we begin with charred pineapple, warm citrus and tangy oak, then creamy nuttiness, a little brine and soft rolling coastal smoke. More dark fruits emerge with cough syrup and flickers of peppery oak. As the palate keeps going (and going and going…), there’s Chamois Leather, subtle peat and a hint of cookie dough ice cream. Some baking spice, mahogany and candied fruits appear throughout.
Finish The lemon sherbet note returns among a little sea air.
Overall A sumptuous, meticulous blend of flavour and character. This tasting note could have been a whole page long.