Maison La Mauny Millesime 2005

Maison La Mauny Millesime 2005 is a fifteen year old vieux from one of Martinique's largest agricole houses, with heritage at Riviere-Pilote going back to 1749. Drawn from the 2005 harvest and made from fresh cane juice on a creole column, it sits well into vieux territory, where tropical ageing carries an older agricole further than the years suggest. It is bottled unsweetened at 42%.

Maturation including French oak has given it a rounded, fruit-forward shape: ripe citrus, orange and pineapple on the nose, then vanilla, cocoa and light tobacco across the palate over a still-present cane note, finishing woody and spicy. At an easy 42% it is elegant and very drinkable, balanced rather than powerful, with a faintly vinous character from the wood. A polished neat agricole for drinkers who like the style balanced and approachable, with the age and oak adding depth without weight.