The last SMWS bottling of Penderyn was some five years ago (128.6 Rumbling, reverberating resonances) and came with some ex-madeira influence. This new bottling has spent some time in a 1st fill ex-sauternes barrique. Deep, Rich & Dried Fruits Profile.
Nose: A trip to the coffeeshop – latte, mocha, espresso and fresh beans. Then a voyage to a more tropical climate for mango and guava. Supporting is rich chocolate ice cream, spiced plums and sugared almonds. Reduction adds soft and sugary sponge and iced gems as well as some peaches and cream.
Taste: Fruitastic – Um Bongo, pineapple chunks, and particularly pronounced apricot. Ripe and fragrant – quite excellent. The mid-palate delivers fruit-tea infusions alongside bakery – toast, brioche and cinnamon buns. Dilution adds creaminess with custard and meringue joined with barley water and ginger petit fours.
Finish: Medium to long with a compote of berry, stone and tropical fruits. Increasingly drying as it fades.
Blind, you’d not guess this was either five years old, nor from Wales. Regardless, its excellent. Packed full of bright fruits and delicious sweet treats. Recommended.