Appearance: Warm chestnut.
Nose: Fruit punch with a touch of pineapple is quickly overtaken by aged wood. That woodiness expands into mint tea, fresh greenery, and dried hay, settling into a rich “forest floor” character. Thyme, lavender, and soft herbal notes add a resinous quality, like brushing through an herb garden. Beneath it all, a savory edge emerges, leather, toasted oak, and a hint of char.
Palate: Oatmeal raisin cookie, sweet potato pie, and crusty wheat bread highlight a balance of sweetness and savoriness. Manuka honey and beeswax evoke a full beehive richness. Sweet tea, clove, and warm spice lead into a firm, soft tannins. As it develops, a deeper earthiness takes hold, with black walnut, baking spice, dark chocolate, and a touch of smoke.
Finish: Roasted nuts, melted butter, and marzipan coat the palate. A subtle herbal bitterness cuts through the richness before deeper, aged tones emerge, reminiscent of cigar box and damp earth. Fresh ginger adds lift, balancing a returning wave of fruit with hints of red currant and dried cherry.
With a splash of spring water
A burst of fresh apple, tart berries, and lemon jelly opens the nose, followed by softer tropical notes of kiwi and mango. Sweeter aromas come forward with confetti cake, honey wine, and a hint of mint. The palate follows, becoming rounder and more dessert-like, with carrot cake, cream cheese frosting, cinnamon buns, and crème brûlée. Fruit notes brighten as well, with candied lemon peel and lightly grilled peach.