SF | Soft straw colour; nose dominated, amidst a wealth of allusive material, by ginger , green tea, and wet slate. The palate is sinewy, energetic but somewhat unforgiving, with a leafy character, hints of sap and resin and a hollow mid-palate which leaves the rest of the construct in abeyance, architecturally ( and stylistically speaking). Refreshing chamomile finish for all that. Anomalous but not without appeal. 89
AJ | Light, pale, almost Chardonnay-like in colour Fresh and sweet, creamy, whisky wort and indeed classic Highland malt scents: pretty, graceful ... but clearly different to the solera versions. On the palate, to be fair, you see the flor much more clearly; not sure why not on the nose (lack of aromatic kicker from the smaller % of older wines, I guess). This is fresh, light, graceful and charming -- and very classical too. It still has some 'vintage' acidity and in the end and in all honesty I think it is better than the unfortifieds -- there is more finishing pungency and scour here, which is completely what you want.Drink Dates: 2024 - 2025. 91
DW | Somewhat simple but pleasantly direct, almost breezy, lightly apple fruited, raw almond-scented and dry: an entirely pleasant aperitivo style if lacking the depth and complexity of others in the flight.Drink Dates: 2024 - 2025. 89