Aberfeldy 21 Year Argentinian Malbec Wine Casks

This was a bargain found on clearance, originally priced at $280 but purchased for $80. I wouldn't have paid full price, making this clearance find my only opportunity to try it. I opened it on Christmas Eve with my brother-in-law. Having found the Aberfeldy 12 to be decent, I can say the 21 retains some Highland character from the 12, but it's a far more intricate creation. The initial scent is somewhat earthy, with a vegetal mushroom-like quality, which my brother-in-law once compared to the herbal dressings found on sandwiches. This distinct aroma seems to come from the red wine casks, sharing a similarity with the Jura 18, which is finished in Premier Grand Cru Classe Barriques. After some time in the glass, it shifts to blackberries with a pleasant creamy vanilla undertone, eventually revealing a hint of lemon curd. On the palate, the earthiness fades, and the berries and vanilla come to the forefront. The texture is rich and viscous, with the vanilla notes providing a creme brûlée sensation that coats the tongue beautifully. It pairs particularly well with dessert; serving it with gingerbread cookies on Christmas Eve was a delightful experience. The finish is lengthy, with a lingering sweetness that eventually resolves into a dry red wine flavor, showcasing the influence of the malbec barrels at the very end. Honestly, I'm unsure how I'd feel if I had paid the full $280. Would my enjoyment diminish, or would I rationalize its value? Regardless, securing this bottle at a $200 discount makes it excellent stuff.