At up to 98 points, some towering express ions of rare gems from the Old and New World illuminate this week’s Wine Spectator Insider, featuring 37 of the most exciting discoveries recently tasted by our editors. Cabernet, Shiraz, Chardonnay and the august old dessert wines of Chambers populate a strong Australian selection.
98 pts Chambers Muscat Rutherglen Rosewood Vineyards Rare NV
A towering wine, dense in color, unctuously sweet, with layers of toasted walnut, burnt orange peel, clove, coffee, dried cherry and spices, coming together smoothly and harmoniously on the rich finish. Drink now through 2025. H.S.
95 pts Chambers Muscadelle Rutherglen Rosewood Vineyards Rare NV
Smooth and unctuous, with coffee, sassafras and licorice notes interlaced with chocolate, prune, hay and spice flavors, coming together harmoniously on the extra-long finish. Drink now. H.S.
94 pts Chambers Muscadelle Rutherglen Rosewood Vineyards Special NV
Very sweet, with a brown, tawny edge, this is thick in texture and deep in flavor, offering layers of black cherry, coffee, dark chocolate and walnut that persist on the deft finish. Drink now through 2020. H.S.
94 pts Chambers Muscat Rutherglen Rosewood Vineyards Grand NV
Dark, spicy and richly sweet, this is the color of brewed coffee, with espresso and bittersweet chocolate notes melding with cherry pie, toasted walnut and candied orange peel flavors, lingering expressively. Drink now through 2020. H.S.
93 pts Penley Estate Tolmer Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra Limited Release 2009
Crisp, focused, expansive in flavor and open-textured, this harmonious wine layers currant, wet earth, bay leaf and spice flavors beautifully. The finish lingers nicely and the tannins are well-integrated. Drink now through 2019. H.S.
90 pts Chambers Muscat Rutherglen Rosewood Vineyards NV
This silky, sweet version is the color of dark tea, with banana notes around the core of caramel, chocolate and cherry, finishing with moderate intensity. Drink now. H.S.