100 Points for Chambers Wine - Vinous
A Feather in Our Caps for Generational Wine
We were lucky enough to host Angus Hughson, Australian Editor @vinousmedia Founder and Publisher @captainwinepilot Co Publisher @theaustralianark back in October 2024. During his visit to North East Victoria, Angus stayed in Rutherglen for a few days and sampled many of fine examples of our regional wine styles.
Chambers have been very humbled to receive some amazing feedback and accolades from a tasting with Angus. See below for the results including 100 Points for the Grand Muscadelle
Our history in winemaking, particularly fortified wines, dates back to 1958 with six generations having a huge impact in the solera bases.
Chambers
“A tasting with the laconic Stephen Chambers is like stepping back through time thanks to a family winemaking history of six generations and an enviable cellar of largely old wood in every shape and size. While there is a range of still wines to be found here, it is the top-rank fortified Grand and Rare Muscat and Muscadelle that are truly extraordinary because of the family’s vast cellar of aged wines. The lesser wines are good and the table wines variable, but the upper levels are where Chambers shines. The Grand and Rare Topaque [Muscadelle], in particular, are wines that simply must be tasted by fans of international fortified wines.” Angus Hughson
NV Grand Topaque [Muscadelle] Rutherglen (2024 release)
Fortified/spirits
100
Drinking Window: 2024 - 2050
Angus Hughson, February 2025
This knockout NV Grand Topaque Rutherglen (2024 release), with components going back to the 1890s, presents an outstanding mix of aged nuances, vitality and freshness. It is a pure showstopper, with a seamlessly integrated blend of coffee grounds, mahogany, roasted nuts, leather and cold tea complexity. Luscious sweetness, fine acidity and a voluptuous texture come together beautifully and deliver a finish of extreme length. What a wine.
NV Rare Muscat Rutherglen (2024 release)
Fortified/spirits
98
Drinking Window: 2024 - 2040
Angus Hughson, February 2025
This stunning NV Rare Muscat Rutherglen (2024 release), from a solera started in the 1890s, has everything going for it, carrying both incredible complexity and impeccable balance. It boasts a freight train of aromas with strong rancio elements, combined with blackberry, chocolate, tar, roasted chestnut and mahogany. A sublime texture follows with a massive volume of enthralling flavors that last for what seems like an eternity.
NV Rare Topaque [Muscadelle] Rutherglen (2024 release)
Fortified/spirits
97
Drinking Window: 2024 - 2050
Angus Hughson, February 2025
The sublime NV Rare Topaque Rutherglen (2024 release) is a work of art, showcasing decades of craftsmanship. It is a chameleon in the glass, effortlessly moving between rich toffee, old leather, malt and molasses, with rancio nuances and serious aged complexity on display. It has incredible density and volume of flavor, while the acidity keeps its focus over a finish of stunning length.
NV Grand Muscat Rutherglen (2024 release)
Fortified/spirits
95
Drinking Window: 2024 - 2040
Angus Hughson, February 2025
Comprising a solera dating back to the 1930s and an average wine age over 25 years, the NV Grand Muscat Rutherglen (2024 release) is showing decades of fastidious care by the Chambers family. This robust wine marries hearty aromas of dried fruits, chocolate, burnt orange and dusty/earthy tones with both youthful and aged components. This is beautifully textured and fresh, with weighty flavors that extend over an exceptional finish.
NV Topaque [Muscadelle] Rutherglen (2024 release)
Fortified/spirits
92
Drinking Window: 2024 - 2035
Angus Hughson, February 2025
With an average blended age of ten years, the NV Topaque Rutherglen (2024 release) seriously over-delivers with poised layers of cold tea, butterscotch, and touches of florals and caramel. The balance of fruit weight and sweetness is impressive, as is the mix of youthful and aged parcels, elevating the entire package over a silky, long finish.
NV Muscat Old Vine (2024 release)
Fortified/spirits
91
Drinking Window: 2024 - 2028
Angus Hughson, February 2025
The NV Muscat Old Vine (2024 release), with an average blended age of ten years, is pretty and enthralling, with layers of grapey florals and spice. Lusciously fruited and richly endowed with sweetness, this is an unashamedly full-throttle, crowd-pleasing style.
NV [Topaque] Muscadelle Old Vine (2024 release)
Fortified/spirits
90
Drinking Window: 2024 - 2026
Angus Hughson, February 2025
The NV Muscadelle Old Vine (2024 release), with an average blended age of over 15 years, is quite developed, offering rich veins of butterscotch, honey and caramel aromas with a strong rancio and burnt orange edge. It is highly complex but lacking a little freshness on the finish.
NV Muscat Rutherglen (2024 release)
Fortified/spirits
90
Drinking Window: 2024 - 2028
Angus Hughson, February 2025
The NV Muscat Rutherglen (2024 release) is a great introduction to the Chambers style in a bright, approachable package with an average blended age of six years. Fragrant red fruits and florals are lifted by touches of spice and rancio in a supple, well-weighted style.
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