Nose: very fruit forward on the first go. Lots of dark berries and a little chocolate. So maybe chocolate covered strawberries (for the fancy people who smell 800 notes). Palate: very pleasant. Incredibly balanced between sweet and spice. Finish: hot finish that turns into peanuts. Very strong peanuts. Overall: very solid bottle for 5 years age. Store pick from Merchants wine & spirits in Knoxville, TN. Great price as well, I believe around $40.