Tasting notes:

 De Bortoli has long had a reputation for fabulous Rutherglen Muscats, but this very sweet fortified wine is botrytised Semillon from the same region. Non-vintage and aged for more than 10 years, the wine is deep mahogany-hued with green lights and packed with roasted nuts, prunes in brown sugar and dark chocolate with a hint of charred wild rice. The palate is luscious and intense, with tangy acidity and a little oak tannin giving structure. Layers of coffee, liquorice and black treacle and accents of burnt sugar, kitchen spices and black pepper. Super-delicious with spicy poached pear accompanied by pear sorbet.  (Patricia Stefanowicz MW)