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 Grands Grand Muscat, Grand Muscadelle.
The "Grand" designation relates to both quality and age. Blended from material that dates back to the First World War, these wines display impressive complexity, pronounced rancio characters and luscious mouthfeel.
TASTING NOTES
Produced from Muscat a Petit Grains or Brown Muscat as it is more commonly known, the Grand Muscat is a deep amber color with a tawny rim. It displays a complex nose of spiced fruitcake, coffee and subtle rancio characters derived from time in oak. The complex palate shows luscious prunes, dried raisins and mature peaty spirits finishing with impressive persistence.
REVIEWS
A very appealing balance between freshness and age, with touches of oak, bitter almonds, toffee and some lifted floral, musky notes; the palate is poised, weighty and shows a very pleasant burnt caramel character on the finish; delicious. Screwcap.18% alc. Rating 95 James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2010
As has been noted in Issues 168 and 173, they are the product of a solera system so there is total consistency from year to year. The lower end wines are spectacular values and the rare bottlings approach perfection. They should not be missed. 96 Points, Jay Miller, Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate December 2009, Issue #186
The Non-Vintage Grand Muscat is dark amber with aromas and flavors of mocha, molasses, fig, and spice box. It is beautifully balanced and exceptionally long. 96 Points, Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate February 2009, Issue #181
Medium amber color. Intensely floral and spicy on the nose, which displays scents of cherry, botanical herbs, mint and dried flowers. Smells like an amaro, with a gentle smoky overtone. Surprisingly lively in the mouth, offering spicy pit fruit and molasses flavors and a kick of peppery mint. This is shockingly lithe for the type, finishing with strong cut and lingering toffee and bitter peach pit notes. 93 Points, Josh Raynolds, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar Sep/Oct 2009
