Sunday lunch with friends - no formal notes. An excellent finish to a meal and a staple in an Australian winter. Notes of fruit cake, not as liquid raisins as the Muscat. Fortified wines from the Rutherglen district in Victoria are one of Australia’s gifts to the world of wine. — 2 years ago
One of my favourite wines — 8 months ago
[This is the “Classic” level classification in Rutherglen, Level 2 out of 4 levels in increasing levels of concentration.] We first met Mr. Bill Chambers in 1989 at the winery, and tasted his INCREDIBLE dessert wines. We finally made it back in December of 2023, and sadly, Bill passed away about 6 weeks after our visit this time — RIP, Mr. Chambers, my only regret is that we cannot find this “Classic” level in the U.S.
Absolutely fabulous Muscadelle, smooth, super complex, this last visit to Rutherglen we realized the “Classic” level was our collective sweet spot, long, lingering finish, such a fantastic dessert wine!! — 10 months ago
See recent notes for the Stanton and Killeen Grand Muscat. This is the Topaque (cannot call it Tokay any more) made from the Muscadelle grape. Like the Grand Muscat the average blended age is 15 to 20 years. Very similar in flavour profile with the Muscat, the latter probably a bit sweeter with more molasses notes. This Topaque is a tiny bit more bitter with caramel, toffee and a lot of liquid raisin character. Thoroughly delicious. These old Rutherglen fortifieds are one of Australia’s gifts to the vinous world. — 4 years ago
Good aged character. Still lots of fruit and body. Delicious! — 2 years ago
Delicious paired with dark chocolate. Perfect ending to a meal — 3 years ago
Bob McDonald
The perfect accompaniment to plum pudding. Very toffee and raisiny with intensity at 18.5% ABV. My son who rarely drinks anything loved it. Don’t worry. I’m sure I haven’t created a monster. He still went for his regular 10K run on Boxing Day. Rutherglen fortifieds are one of Australia’s gifts to the world of wine. — 13 days ago