Deanston 2008 Bordeaux Red Wine

Candy

Nose - Bright red berries, caramel, honey, cranberry/red grape skin tannins (w/ water) More vibrant, adds some fresh blueberries Taste - Bright red berries, dark chocolate, honey, light red berry "funk", candied orange zest, candied ginger, dark apple juice (w/ water) Elevates everything, makes it more vibrant and clear, but does make the mouthfeel a bit drier/tannic Finish - Gentle lingering heat/tingle, red berry "funk", dark chocolate covered dried orange peels (w/ water) Much less heat/tingle, "funk" is gone, more fresh red berries, slightly less chocolate Score - 88/100 Final Thoughts - This one was tasty, the red wine cask influence is apparent, but I don't think I would've been able to pick this out blind as it's subtle enough to not scream red wine. The proof is very evident in this one as it's punchy but fortunately not hot. A bit of water really opens this up nicely but does affect the last part of the mouthfeel a bit, but I think it does quite well with a bit of water to really open things up. This is tasty, but I'm not sure it stands out enough to be something that I'd want to reach for very often. Would I drink it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically order it? - Maybe Would I buy a bottle? - Maybe NOTE - All reviews are done without factoring in price.