"Dan the Man" wrote in message
The local state-owned store only had one make of Rutherglen Muscat
in stock - Stanton & Killeen (US$26.99/500 ml); I decided to try R L
Buller & Son's Premium Fine Tokay Victoria (only US$11.49/375 ml)
instead. Very pleasing, raisiny taste with a port-like nose, which
makes me wonder if the S & K would REALLY knock my socks off!
Time to start saving my pennies, I guess. Thanks for the eye-opener.

Until quite recently, the word "Liqueur" was used to describe these wines
(although the winemakers of Rutherglen now ban the use of Liqueur) - whereas
the wines are true "Fortified Wines"

Following harvest and crushing etc; fermenation is usually stopped after
only one or two days, by fortifying to 18-22%

The wine is stored in oak, in uninsulated "tin sheds" in the extreme heat of
the Australian summer, where temperatures inside can reach upwards of 50degr
C.

In fact, a couple of winemakers (Campbell's among them) use a solera system;
and blend quite a range of vintages into the finished wines.

Apart from the continued use of "Tokay" to describe the wine made from
Muscadelle, there exists a complicated classification for Rutherglen Muscats
and "Tokays"

The foundation (basic) style is simply called "Rutherglen Muscat"

The next step up (in quality and price - of course) is "Classic Muscat" -
made from more selected parcels.

The third classification is "Grand Muscat" - a mature style with great
depth.

The top of the scale is "Rare Muscat" - the richest style with intense fruit
and aged ranchio flavours. Campbell's "Merchant Prince" Rare Muscat
contains some material over 50 years old in the blend.

"Rare Muscat" is *very* expensive - I have tried Merchant Prince - but we
were given a bottle by the winemaker during a visit a few years ago - and, I
guess, if I was wearing sox, they may have indeed, been knocked off !!!!
:-))

So, perhaps the S&K wine may be a "Classic" thus commanding a higher price,
of indeed, the price reflects your loaded distribution system.

Go on; take a chance and save those pennies.

--

st.helier

(A NZer who doesn't hesitate to give Australia credit where it is due)