TASTE BENCHMARKS | |||
Profile #1 Tawny Style |
Profile #2 Vintage Style |
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Appearance | Medium-light brick red. You know -- tawny. | Dark ruby. | |
Aroma | Dried fruits, hazelnut, dried herb and lemon thyme. | Very closed in youth, intended for substantial cellaring, eventually developing nutty, chocolate, and honey aromas. | |
Flavor | Round, smooth, well married. Toasted marshmallow finish. | Mincemeat, cocoa, plum, and baking spice. | |
Balance | Hard tannins despite considerable sugar. | ||
PRODUCTION CORRELATIONS | |||
Oenological | Fortifed during fermentation, generally to around 10% sugar and over 18% alcohol. Extensive ageing in barrels, usually five to ten years. | Fortified during fermentation, extended maceration, bottled within two years. |