"Opening aroma is assertive, dry, with peppery scents of barley husk, grainy oil and cracked wheat wafer; seven more minutes bring out a mildly sweeter, slightly vanilla bean, brown rice-like side. Palate entry is pleasantly prickly, textured and moderately sweet; at midpalate, the taste profile turns stunningly sappy and resin-like. Finishes dry to off-dry and keenly resiny." 85-89 pts.

"Smells of smoky, burnt nectarine, apricot and buttery scents that are toasty, nutty and heavenly. Entry is chewy, viscous, concentrated and intensely honeyed; the midpalate is waxy, mildly spicy, jammy, nutty and utterly decadent. Finishes with panache and grace." Best Buy. 96-100 pts.

"The initial whiffs find layers of honey, flowers and light toffee; air contact stimulates aromas of pine needle, caramel, nougat, marzipan, chocolate orange and stewed apple. The palate entry is totally dry then turns bittersweet and pork rind-like; at midpalate tastes of burnt apple crisp, orange zest, fudge and candied nuts appear. Finishes as grandly and stately as it began." 90-95 pts.