Rosemount Estate Old Benson 10 Year Old Liqueur Tawny

Tasting notes sourced from Rosemount Estate.

WINEMAKER: Philip Shaw.

ORIGIN: This liqueur wine is a blend of wood matured fortified wines from different vintages. The tawny colour is a result of many years oak maturation during which time the original red pigments of the wine develop into a fine garnet or tawny colour. Tawny liqueurs are fully mature when bottled and so unlike their vintage equivalents do not change flavour with cellaring.

Australia has developed a unique style of fortified wine which is well recognised for its quality. They tend to be fuller and richer with a sweeter fruit flavour than Portuguese Ports.The Rosemount Old Benson Liqueur Tawny is a blend of vintages, the average age of which is ten years. This fine wine is named Old Benson in memory of and as a tribute to the loyalty and devotion of Benson, who was Sandy Oatley's faithful dog for over 15 years.

VITICULTURAL NOTES: The fruit for this style must be fully ripe and brimming with rich, vibrant flavour. We select Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and a small proportion of Tokay grapes to create a unique style of liqueur tawny. The fruit is harvested at 14º - 14.5º Bé.

WINEMAKING NOTES: The fruit is lightly crushed into open fermenters to which a light yeast culture is added. The fermenting juice is pumped over the skins to allow flavour and colour extraction. Once the fermentation reaches a low sugar level, a small amount of high strength brandy spirit is added to arrest the fermentation. The skins are pressed and discarded.The finished wine matures in small barrels for many years and becomes part of a Solera - a cascade blending system that ensures consistent flavour from year to year.This Australian Tawny has a rich tawny colour with an intense raisin like aroma. The palate is full flavoured with clean sweetness and a long balanced finish. This wine is fully matured and so is ready for immediate enjoyment. 500ml bottle.