This attractive, decanter-like bottle with it’s very masculine cork was released in the late-90s, replacing it’s tall, round predecessor. Sherry casks have been used and apparently a lot of caramel colouring. Nose: A velvet nose of over-ripe, red fruits, especially plums, and an underlying spice of cloves and some ginger. The fruits have an acidity to them, as if on the point of fermenting. There’s also polished, dark wood and dried flowers. Taste: Crisp but not clean; a malty grittiness present. With time on the palette a rich bitter-sweet combination emerges, like dark chocolate (the cooking-kind not the Swiss kind). A very oily mouth-feel, with the fruit acidity being slightly bitter now. Finish: Medium with typical sherry notes more pronounced. Slightly drying with the bitterness appearing again and a breath of smoke.