Seppeltsfield Single Vintage Old Para Tawny 2004

Stuart McCloskey, tasted 28 May 2026 "The colour is beautifully deep and glossy with rich mahogany and burnished amber hues. The bouquet is wonderfully expressive from the outset. Layers of toasted walnut, caramelised pecan, raisin, dark treacle and burnt orange peel rise effortlessly before moving toward espresso bean, cinnamon spice, polished oak and Christmas cake richness. There is both generosity and precision here. Impressively, there is virtually no sign of spirit heat or intrusion - everything feels seamlessly integrated and beautifully composed. The complexity and sheer scale of the aromatics are utterly captivating. In truth, I do not need to drink the wine at all. I find myself perfectly content simply swirling the glass and becoming completely lost in the endless aromatic detail - an experience entirely of its own which continuously evolves minute by minute, hour by hour. The palate is sumptuous, textured and wonderfully harmonious. Waves of fig, Medjool date, roasted hazelnut, toffee apple, molasses and mocha glide across the palate with remarkable poise. Importantly, despite the wine’s richness and concentration, freshness and energy remain throughout. Nothing feels heavy, cloying or cumbersome. A wine of extraordinary drinkability. The finish rolls on endlessly with lingering notes of walnut, dark caramel, citrus oil and exotic spice echoing quietly across the palate long after the final sip. Serve gently chilled and, from generous stemware - this is a wine which deserves room to move, evolve and breathe. Truly magnificent…"

97 Points - Dave Brookes, Halliday.com "A Para tawny from the 2004 vintage. I can smell this all day. It's constantly moving, like the shadow of clouds moving across a hillside, a play on light and shade, tension and release. Candied citrus fruits, grilled figs sprinkled with brown sugar, fresh dates, rancio, polished leather, mahogany, redcurrant paste, salted caramel, espresso, brandy snaps and toffee apple. It's fresh as a daisy, beautifully balanced and so long, with a sleekness and poised sweetness as it slowly retreats, condensing slowly into its end point. Time for another sip. Tremendous stuff."