Bruichladdich 1993, Recioto Cask, Oddbins Exclusive

Back in the 1990s, Bruichladdich used to mature some of their finest spirit in Italian and other special red wine casks for 13 to 16 years, resulting in some delicious expressions released in the early 2000s. One of those rare finds is this Bruichladdich Recioto della Valpolicella, vintage 1993, exclusively released for Oddbins, the UK spirits retailer. Bottled at 46% ABV, with a beautiful red hue. Recioto is actually a sweet raisin wine, made from a blend of grapes: Corvina, Corvinone, Negrara, Orseleta, and Forselina. It's quite similar to Amarone, but Amarone undergoes a longer fermentation. On the nose, it begins as expected, with sweet red fruits. Cherries and Sun-Maid raisins. Dr. Pepper and strawberry marmalade. Port wine, dates, and bacon. Red apples, grapes. After an initial taste, the aroma shifted to a typical soapy note I always detect from Bruichladdich, school glue, and red berries. On the palate, it's good. Red fruits, some orange peel notes; very floral. Rose chocolate. You would never guess this is a Bruichladdich in a blind tasting. Aftertaste is amazing. Tobacco, oranges, tangerine, and citrusy grapefruits. Super long, rewarding finish. Cocoa bitterness. Superb. Overall, this is an incredible offering from 'laddie'; the Recioto cask has imparted most of the flavor and aroma notes, transforming this single malt into a wine on steroids. Great job here; my score for this rare gem is 95 out of 100.