Nose: first it comes off as sweet, rich sherry. The richness never goes away, but once you burst through you get light bits of woody vanilla and ripe banana. Palate: immediately hit with holiday drink spiciness and sherry flavors. Finish: tannins dry your mouth, spice moves to the back of your throat and the sherry powers through all the way to the end. Adding water rounded the nose, but actually made the palate more hot than before.