NV Hedges and Butler - Matured in Wood

[Alex Bridgeman]

Described on the label as "Matured in Wood. By appointment to His Majesty the King and His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales", which would place the bottling between 1901 and 1936. Pale brown in colour and so murky - despite having been through a coffee filter paper - that the centre was opaque, slightly green on the rim. Strong, soapy nose, like perfumed bubble bath. Neutral entry and then a strongly soapy taste. Harsh and unbalanced, with elastic and little fruit although there are lots of other flavours. The aftertaste is pleasant, with a finish of grapefruit and lemons, sweetened with brown sugar. 79/100. Drunk 11 Feb 2010 with no decanting time.

[Chris Doty]

This was not good. An obvious detergent component on the nose kinda killed it for me from the get-go. Astringent throughout (an no, not in the 'good' way), with alcohol and harsh tannins ripping up the mid palate. Finish is actually decent, but you're so worn out by then you hardly notice. I don't think other people disliked this wine as much as I did -- it may have improved with more time in the glass, but I was not curious to try my hand a second time.

75pts