With a deep brown color giving a distinctly green hue to the rim, the NV ‘Merchant Prince’ Muscat has a profoundly intense scent of plum pudding, raisin cake and stewed figs plus a hint of roasted coffee beans and preserved walnuts. The palate is tooth achingly sweet but like the ‘Isabella’ has the acidity to carry it off. Very thick and rich with an epic, long, gooey raisin finish – this is one for the super-tasters!These fortified wines are all bottled to drink now. The extended solera aging process has rendered them relatively stable to changes and they can be stored for a good number of years.Importer: Click Wine Group, Seattle, WA; tel. (800) 859-0689

A deep mahogany in color, the Merchant Prince Rare Muscat boasts dense date, fudge and molasses components balanced by rancio, citrusy accents and even some floral notes. Despite being incredibly sweet and sticky, there’s a freshness to it that keeps it from being overwhelming. ——J.C.(2/1/2011)—— 97