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NOTES
The unpretentious public face of this small family winery belies the fact that they produce some of the richest and most acclaimed wines in the world. Since arriving in Rutherglen, north-east Victoria, six generations ago, the family has quietly gone about establishing a particularly enviable reputation for their fortified wines. Stephen Chambers is now making his own mark after taking over the winemaking role from his legendary father, Bill Chambers OAM.
The Rares: Rare Muscat, Rare Muscadelle
The "Rare" designation is reserved for material dating over 100 years. Wines clearly not from this century, they display an olive rim, an extremely complex bouquet with nutty, rancio characters and an unctuous, treacly palate of astounding balance and persistence of flavour.
TASTING NOTES
Produced from the Muscadelle grape, this wine is a deep mahogany brown colour. The mature bouquet leads with five spice, malt and roasted nuts alongside cumquat marmalade. Likewise, the velvety palate boasts maple syrup and toffee, backed by green tea and mellow rancio characters. Amazing balance of oak tannin, acidity and sweetness.
REVIEWS
Pure power and grace, showing surprising restraint and poise; heavily toasted nuts, and the essence of old, yet fresh material; prunes, fresh oak and very clean fortifying spirit provide the springboard for an experience that stays for minutes; suggested to be enjoyed with food, but maybe best contemplated on its own. Cork.18% alc. Rating 97 James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2010
Wow! Deep khaki green in colour, it's incredibly aged and slightly varnishy, with a deep, complex fragrance of licorice, spice and leather. Unctuous, definitively oily, sweet and incredibly concentrated, it remains lively and fresh. Absolutely incredible. 98 Points Jeremy Oliver
At the top level, the Rare Muscadelle (Tokay) boasts a deep amber color along with a rich, sumptuous nose of molasses, brown sugar, and a smorgasbord of spices and flavors, a whopping, unctuous texture, amazing concentration, and a powerful, heady finish. 100/100 Wine Advocate # 168 Robert Parker
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