Yalumba Muscat Rutherglen Show Reserve NV

Yalumba is a fabulous source of antique fortifieds that often sell for a song. Provocative and distinctive is the non-vintage Museum Muscat. A killer value, it offers aromas of melted toffee, brandy-macerated raisins, prunes, maple syrup, molasses, and ripe figs. It is a stunning offering to enjoy at the end of a meal, or as dessert. None of these Australian fortifieds improve in the bottle, but they rarely change and can be kept for a long time. Once opened, they should be consumed within 4andndash;7 days.

If you like old tawnies from the Douro, hereandrsquo;s an impressive alternative at a remarkable price. The flavors donandrsquo;t stop, from apricot to lemon, roasted hazelnut, caramel, orange marmalade, honey and honeydew rind andmdash; something tangy and slightly rancio, along with something refreshing to hold the wineandrsquo;s sweetness in check. Itandrsquo;s delicate, in fact, harmonious, with a slow fade that encourages another sip.

The non-vintage Museum Release Muscat (about 8 years of age) exhibits a dark amber color in addition to a gorgeous perfume of caramel, toffee, raisins, prunes, and spice. Rich, long, and impressively endowed, it will offer enjoyment over the next 5andndash;7 years, although I am sure it will last longer.

Silky and seductive, sweet, rich and loaded with flavor, offering coffee, walnut, orange peel, cherry, cream and exotic spice flavors just donandrsquo;t quit. Drink now through 2020.

This Australian andldquo;stickyandrdquo; rivals the quality of many more-prestigious versions, at a fraction of the price. Itandrsquo;s a gorgeous mouthful of spice and walnut, sweet and opulent, and is deep with clove, coffee, dried litchi and berry flavors that linger with hints of tangerine peel on the finish. Yummy.

This Australian specialty is as enveloping as satin sheets: soft, warm, and shivering rich. It may be old and liquorish, but it is not tired. just try to pin down the complex flavors andmdash; fig, quince marmalade, nectarine. Any individual elements are smothered by the harmony of the wine. Curl up in bed with a glass and it take over with pure deliciousness.

Yalumbaandrsquo;s Muscat includes some lots from outside Rutherglen, but itandrsquo;s still an excellent example of fortified Muscat, featuring hints of caramelized cherries and a sweet, complex melange of caramel, toffee and chocolate balanced by citrusy freshness.