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NOTES
In 1855 Timothy Stanton abandoned his occupation as a mechanic in West Suffolk, England and brought his family to Australia in search of gold. In 1864, together with his son John Lewis Stanton ,Timothy purchased land at Rutherglen in North East Victoria immediately establishing a farm and vineyard.
By 1875 the Stantons were well established as successful Rutherglen vignerons. Timothy’s grandson John Richard Stanton continued to improve and expand the business and by the 1920’s had established the magnificent “Park View” vineyard and winery.
In 1921 John Richard Stanton’s son John Charles decided to start his own winery and with financial assistance from his father purchased a property nearby which was to become known as “Gracerray”. John Charles or “Jack” as he was known worked for his father while he planted his vineyard and established a new winery. Jack made his first vintage in 1925 and a thriving wine business followed, his grit and determination enabled him to survive the great depression of the early thirties which was the ruination of many local wineries, including his father’s “Park View” vineyard.
In 1948 Norman Killeen married Jack’s daughter Joan and in 1953 he joined her and his father-in-law in business resulting in the formation of Stanton and Killeen Wines. During those early years Norman’s involvement was predominantly with the ever expanding farming side of the business but by 1967 he had taken over as winemaker and had launched into a considerable vine replanting program. Norman was able to grow and expand the business during the hectic years of the “70’s” and early “80’s” continuing to lay a firm foundation for the next generation.
Norman’s son Chris was also part of those expanding times and after ten years of training from his father took over as winemaker in 1981, thus becoming the sixth generation of Stanton and Killeen winemakers in the Rutherglen district. It is the wonderful origins of history that make this winemaking family so important to the pioneering story of Rutherglen and the development of winemaking in Australia.
TASTING NOTES
The Muscat a Petit Grains Rouge varietal, oak matured in a system of old large barrels and smaller barrels in the traditional solero system. Some of the original vineyards planted by Jack Stanton in 1921 are still in production and produce some of the districts finest. This delightful offering is in a fresh young style from a passionate crafter of fortifieds, exhibiting the sweet luscious fruit flavours for which Rutherglen Muscat is famous. Blended from 3-5 year material, the wine is vibrant and 'muscaty' with strong raisin like flavours. Perfect with pastry type desserts or after dinner with real coffee, fruit cake, strong cheeses and walnuts.
Colour is a caramel brown gold with deep brick reddish cloaks. The bouquet is world class, absolutely wonderfully giving out hints of almond, citrus, heavy on the walnuts and bitter fruit. Marmalade hints of fresh tobacco leaf on the tongue and a clear palate that is viscous and void of unwanted sugars or excessive complexity. There are highlights of misty drawing room odours, leather, anise and sweet pickles with nuances of cigar smoke and tannin. A delicious honey flavoured Muscat with nuts, citrus and the capacity to lie in waiting.
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