With a medium brown color going slightly green at the edge, NV Rosewood Vineyards Grand Muscat has aromas of macerated sultanas, fig paste, baklava, toasted hazelnuts and coffee grounds plus a little mace. The palate is very sweet and very crisp with an unctuous silkiness that blankets the mouth and lingers a very long time. One of the great names in Rutherglen fortifieds, Chambers is a family operated winery that was established by William Chambers in 1858. Today it is operated by fifth generation winemaker William Chambers and his son Stephen. These fortified wines are all bottled to drink now. The extended solera aging process has rendered them relatively stable to changes and they are now bottled under screw cap so that they can be stored for a good number of years.Importer: Old Bridge Cellars, Napa, CA; www.oldbridgecellars.com

The Grand level of Chambers’ offerings may be the best compromise between expense, rarity and quality. This Grand Muscat boasts knockout scents of dried flowers, tea leaves and rancio, while the flavors are date-like in sweet intensity but accompanied by floral qualities and impeccable freshness. ——J.C.(2/1/2011)—— 95