At ten years of age this possesses a beautiful fragrance, with scents of dried dark red cherry, rose petal, tobacco, crushed chalk and violets just leaping from the glass. Going back in for a second look, there are touches of currant, tar, liquorice and vanilla pod, in what is a delightfully complex yet also pure aromatic profile. The palate builds on this impressive beginning with a construct of pure harmony and freshness, with textural confidence, layers of supple and savoury fruits, a silky integration of substance and structure, with just a gentle grip from the tannins. It finishes long and smoky. This is very convincing and certainly gave me reason to pause as I worked my way through this line-up of 2012s. Top work.