This wine is slightly darker in colour than the basic Rutherglen Muscat, slightly more olive green at the rim and notably more luscious. It also has the patina of age – a complex of aromas and flavours described by the Spanish as “rancio” – a sniff and a sip brings enlightenment.

The palate of this typically Australian Muscat is almost syrupy in texture, with a luscious mix of sweet raisins, burnt toffee and rich caramel. Pair it with sticky date pudding with lashings of homemade caramel sauce.

Given 97 points by James Halliday

Deep, brilliant old gold. Lifted toffee, honey and cold tea characters combine to produce the unique character of Rutherglen Topaque. Toffee and tealeaf characters predominate on the front of the palate with a cleansing hint of spirit and old oak on the finish.

The wine is a brilliant straw yellow with fine, persistent perlage and fruity aromas of peach, apple, pear and citrus fruit. The palate gracefully balances zingy acidity and a subtle hint of sweetness, richness and silky-smooth texture.