Brown Brothers (Australia) Dry Muscat 2004
I’ve been a fan of Brown Brother’s Dry Muscat for many years, with recommendations for a few vintages back to the 1996 on this web site. The Muscat of Alexandria grapes are harvested early to retain delicacy and acidity, making a quintessential crisp, mouthwatering style of wine but one with copious fruit. The screw-capped 2004 has a very pale, golden yellow colour and beautifully perfumed floral, musky nose with hints of apricot, peach and exotic spices. On the palate a candied, tropical quality and high, flowery notes of pear skins and star fruit are braced with grapefruit and orange-pith acidity. The wine is taut and racy, finishing quite long with a tantalising lemon juice acidity, but the generous fruitiness sweeps through in a sweet-edged rush, giving fine balance. £5.99 Asda, Spar, Tesco, Londis, EH Booth