Produced exclusively from the Syrah variety, it reveals the enormous potential of this variety in a special and challenging climate that only Serpa provides.
Easily approached at natural strength rich and sweet, with a first burst of liquorice quickly supplanted by greener notes. The sweetness grows in the mid-palate, as golden syrup suffused with the savoury smoke of burning leaves, and smoked meat. That smoke becomes sweeter and spicier with black pepper and cinnamon, nutmeg and golden sugar. Finally, the greenness returns as gently drying grass. Water (it can take a good splash) emphasizes lightness, sweetness and smoke the smoke now more mineral, the syrup and fruit simpler, fresher. Sweet and of medium length, with a lingering smoky aftertaste.
Aromatic and lively, aromas of vanilla and spice evocative of dried clove and chai are layered on a base of earthly, malty undertones reminiscent of Balvenie’s own barley loft.