I really like this shot. The textures and color and subject are all excellent. I gave it an 8, probably because it just doesn't have that extra WOW factor. I really don't have any suggestions on improving it. Maybe Bob's idea of changing the background to black would give do the trick. But then the nice monotone aspect of this image would be lost.
This is very well centered and I love the OLD look to it. Once again, your detail is extremely sharp. I really like your new lens. If I were you, I would thank my husband everyday for that wonderful gift.
You know, if the background was all black, this would be fantastic.
edit: btw, I gave this a 6. It seems I give all of your shots a 6 or higher without knowing who it belongs to.
Another picture that i think could have been greatly enhanced by Contrast/Brightness twizzles and some colour saturation. Maybe even a tighter crop...?