I was sent a sample and naturally tasted it as our monarch was being handed his orb and scepter. It has quite a punchy bouquet, a little nuttier and smokier than expected, with Montecristo cigars mixed with sweeter scents of nougat and vanilla pod. The sweetness comes through more on the palate than the nose. It’s very well balanced and clearly blended to be drunk now instead of being cellared like nearly all tawny Ports. Molasses, grilled hazelnuts with a pinch of cracked black pepper appear toward the finish. There is a seductive viscosity towards the finish with just the faintest dab of dried honey. Delightful.
- Neal Martin (05/2023)
