NV Campbells Classic Rutherglen Muscat 500mL

Classic comes off a solera ageing method, the base of this from the 1960s and it's showing complexity and freshness in equal measure. Luscious, light on its feet yet offering plenty of lemon-fruitcake flavours, lapsang souchong, toffee and salty Dutch licorice. Spirit very clean and integrated. An excellent Classic. 500ml.

Now you know you are entering the magic hall of Rutherglen muscat, the flavours coming unbidden by you at such a rate it's hard to record them in any orderly fashion. Singed butterscotch, malt, dried and crystallised fruits, then the vinous masochism of the rancio.

We’re getting into pretty serious territory here. Super deluxe, you could say. Gorgeous intensity of flavour. Toffee notes that shoot right to the back of your head. Fresh, lively, delicious, decadent. Complex edge of rancio. Is it worth the dosh? You bet it is.

Comes in a stylish 500ml bottle. This arrived with a Riedel Rutherglen Muscat glass the other day, which is just about the only way, seemingly, I get to taste any wine from that region. I’m using the glass to taste the wine now. Seems fit for purpose.Toffee, raisins, orange and orange peel, spice and plenty of rancio action. Silky and sweet, all golden syrup and raisins, lifted perfectly by a clip of acidity and savoury toasty flavours. Carries very long in the finish, and while it’s intensely sweet, it’s also fresh and balanced with a gentle clip of woody tannin in the aftertaste. Very good.

Spicy/raisiny complexity starting to build; a large increase in intensity and length over the Rutherglen Muscat. 500 ml.

Spicy/raisiny complexity starting to build; a large increase in intensity and length over the Rutherglen Muscat. 500 ml.

(500ml) Medium to deep amber-tawny colour, with toffee apple, caramel and vanilla milkshake aromas. The wine is sweet and medium-rich on the tongue, with a little grip, and is slightly uneven across the tongue. There is a touch of lusciousness about it and it's a very satisfying, sipping muscat