"Rich copper color. Rich, perfumed spice, vanilla, and dried fruit aromas are very attractive. A rich well smooth entry leads to a dry-yet-fruity full-bodied palate with chocolate drizzled pear, anise, vanilla bean, caramel, and spice. Finsihes with a long, smooth, perfumed dried fruit and brown spice fade. Remarkably even and balanced in its richness with great drinkability."

"Amber honey hue. Initial nosing pass detects a mildly spicy bouquet that’s ready to fly; aeration doesn’t deepen this nose as much as it sweetens it, blending in comely notes of toffee, brown sugar, leather and vanilla extract. Palate entry is sap-like, sugary and oaky; midpalate shows generous flavors of pineapple, guava, mint, caramel and oak resin. Aftertaste is firm, semisweet and more fruity than woody." 90-95 pts.