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 Rutherglens Rutherglen Muscat, Rutherglen Muscadelle.
Blended from fortified material aged between six and ten years old, this wine is the foundation of the style; displaying fresh, rich fruit, clean spirit and great length of flavour.
TASTING NOTES
Produced from the Muscadelle grape, and previously called Tokay, this blend is comprised of material aged between six and ten years old. Amber to old gold in colour, it shows fresh honeycomb, orange peel and cold leaf-tea on the nose. The palate offers sweet toffee, citrus fruits and honey with a hint of spirit and aged oak spice on the back palate. Muscadelle carries itself with a feline grace as opposed to the powerhouse Muscat persona.
REVIEWS
Lightly sweet and honeyed with orange pith and very clean fortifying spirit; zesty for the style, offering an insight into young wines made in this manner. Screwcap.18.5% alc. Rating 89 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. 93 Points, Jay Miller, Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate December 2009, Issue #186
Orange-tinged gold. High-pitched aromas of singed orange, toffee and botanical herbs. Lively, sharply focused orchard fruit and orange marmalade flavors are impressively deep, and nicely accented by a hint of white pepper. Finishes on a smooth, sweet note of toffee, with lingering spice and floral notes. 92 Points, Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate February 2009, Issue #181
Orange-tinged gold. High-pitched aromas of singed orange, toffee and botanical herbs. Lively, sharply focused orchard fruit and orange marmalade flavors are impressively deep, and nicely accented by a hint of white pepper. Finishes on a smooth, sweet note of toffee, with lingering spice and floral notes. 91 Points, Josh Raynolds, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar Sep/Oct 2009
