Vitality and maturity

This one was clearly sherry, influenced in a highly classical way. We immediately noted things such as cedarwood boxes full of unlit cigars, winter mulling spices and impressions of roast pheasant, cranberry sauce and black pepper. Water enhanced the savoury richness of the nose, bringing out brown bread spread with treacle, sea-salted dark chocolate and caramelised muscovado sugar on prunes. The palate was wonderfully rich, gamey, nutty and peppery. It was full of dense, classical sherry characteristics and displaying, we all felt, a really impressive level of maturity for the age. Water brought a touch more sweetness, with caramel, salted toffee, butterscotch and crème brûlée all present.