NV Stanton & Killeen: Classic Rutherglen Topaque
Posted: 22:07 Sun 07 Feb 2021
The Muscat and Topaque fortified wines of Rutherglen, frst made in the 1850s, fall into four categories:
- Rutherglen wines are young and fruity with an average age of wines used in the blends of 3-5 years.
- Classic Rutherglen wines are matured for a little longer in a solera system with the average age of the wine in the blend being 6-10 years.
- Grand Rutherglen wines have a thicker texture and greater depth, being made from wines of average age of 11-19 years.
- Rare Rutherglen wines have an average age of 20 years or more.
This wine is a Classic Rutherglen Topaque from Stanton & Killeen, but despite the classification "guidelines", Stanton & Killeen choose to use wines with an average age of 12 years - and the quality really shows. Topaque is made from late harvest muscadelle grapes which Stanton & Killeen then mature in an oak solera system consisting of large and small oak barrels.
Bottled in 37.5cl format. Deep golden amber colour, 30% opaque. Served very cold, initially this shows little on the nose. As the wine warms in the glass it starts to show a sweet floral scent. A pleasant slightly thick texture on entry, smooth and flavoursome bringing honey, dried apricots and pistachio. Nice complexity on the palate. Warm honey aftertaste, thick and sweet floral finish with hints of burnt sugar. The balance of the wine makes this wonderfully drinkable, reminds me of a very sweet 30YO White Port. 87/100. Drunk 07-Feb-21. Decanted 1 hour.
- Rutherglen wines are young and fruity with an average age of wines used in the blends of 3-5 years.
- Classic Rutherglen wines are matured for a little longer in a solera system with the average age of the wine in the blend being 6-10 years.
- Grand Rutherglen wines have a thicker texture and greater depth, being made from wines of average age of 11-19 years.
- Rare Rutherglen wines have an average age of 20 years or more.
This wine is a Classic Rutherglen Topaque from Stanton & Killeen, but despite the classification "guidelines", Stanton & Killeen choose to use wines with an average age of 12 years - and the quality really shows. Topaque is made from late harvest muscadelle grapes which Stanton & Killeen then mature in an oak solera system consisting of large and small oak barrels.
Bottled in 37.5cl format. Deep golden amber colour, 30% opaque. Served very cold, initially this shows little on the nose. As the wine warms in the glass it starts to show a sweet floral scent. A pleasant slightly thick texture on entry, smooth and flavoursome bringing honey, dried apricots and pistachio. Nice complexity on the palate. Warm honey aftertaste, thick and sweet floral finish with hints of burnt sugar. The balance of the wine makes this wonderfully drinkable, reminds me of a very sweet 30YO White Port. 87/100. Drunk 07-Feb-21. Decanted 1 hour.