Baileys of Glenrowan News & Reviews

Ralph Kyte-Powell - Cuisine NZ Issue 120 January 2007

Thursday, December 21, 2006

BAILEYS FOUNDER LIQUEUR TOKAY NV - 5 STARS

$17 750ml

While on the subject of Australian wine, who could ignore the superb fortified wines produced in that country? We certainly couldn't. Top of the list came Baileys of Glenrowan Founder Liqueur Tokay NV. This gorgeously complex drop had us looking for superlatives.

For reasons lost in the mists of time, in north-eastern Victoria, the minor white Bordeaux grape Muscadelle has always been known as Tokay. Despite its French origins, it's in Australia, and as a fortified wine, that it reaches true heights. This example is a gorgeous, unctuous confection, rich and super-complex. It variously reminded the panel of toffee, honey, glace fruits, almond, orange zest and a whole lot more. It's deliciously smooth and the finish lasts forever.

BAILEYS FOUNDER LIQUEUR MUSCAT NV - 4 1/2 STARS

$17 750ml

Another superb fortified from Victoria's north-east, this muscat is an ultra-sweet, ultra-lush wine, showing delicious raisiny muscat aromas and flavours together with those nutty, honeyed touches that mark the best. It's profound, yet there's a lovely freshness to it too.