Nose: Musty leather, oak and chewy tannins, then sweet acacia honey and toffee provide a reassuringly refined opening. Citrus zestiness, dried fruit and a little chocolate then develop, before hints of golden cereals, Calvados and sunbaked earth add depth. There’s a touch of cold tea in a Moscow Mule mug, strange as it sounds.
Palate: The sweet, dark fruits, bramble jelly and dates, take centre stage, but you’ll pick up Seville orange marmalade, apricot yoghurt and antique oak furniture alongside them. A mix of dark bitter chocolate, chestnut and liquorice are present in the backdrop, with plenty of earthy, herbal spices and charred, honeyed meat.
Finish: Dry, long and little smoky. Plenty of resinous fruity notes remain and add sweetness.