Top Rated: Fortified

The All Saints Museum Muscat was not only magnificent in its rich, decadent flavour, but also had a level of sheer drinkability that had us all draining our glasses. This nectar should never be wasted. The Seppeltsfield 100 Year Old Para Vintage Tawny has been elevated to the James Halliday Hall of Fame, courtesy of the fact that it has won this category a minimum of five times (it’s won on nine occasions).

2024 Fortified of the Year

All Saints Estate Museum Muscat NV, Rutherglen

100 points | Price when tasted $1200

All Saints Estate Museum Muscat NV, Rutherglen

The first rule of tasting ASE Museum Muscat is, don't spit. Ever! The second rule is to sit back and drink it all in, figuratively and literally. That perfume, so ethereal, aromatic and lasting. The flavour that stays with you, the concentrated intensity of old and mature age parcels of wine and the brightness of youth come together in treacle, soused raisins, dried fig, butterscotch toffee, honey drizzled sticky pudding and nutty nougat. The blender's hand is foremost in the use of neutral fortifying spirit to bring everything to a wonderful culmination that lights the senses. 500ml. – Jeni Port

The 2024 Halliday Wine Companion is available now. Secure your copy of Australia's most comprehensive wine guide here – and at all good bookstores.

Learn more about fortified wine.

This is an edited extract from the 2024 Halliday Wine Companion, with reviews by James Halliday, Campbell Mattinson, Dave Brookes, Jane Faulkner, Jeni Port, Mike Bennie, Ned Goodwin MW, Philip Rich and Shanteh Wale. Cover art by Ka Mo.