Description
Aroma
The bouquet is intense and inviting, opening with rich notes of fresh raisins and orange rind, underpinned by aged oak and nutty rancio complexity. Additional aromatics of dried apricot, caramel, and hint of spice enrich the nose, reflecting the wine’s maturity and pedigree.
Awards & Points
Campbells Classic Rutherglen Muscat is widely celebrated as a benchmark Australian fortified, regularly scoring high praise from critics. Notably, it has received a 95-point rating from the Halliday Wine Companion, underlining its quality and standing within the Rutherglen style. While more recent awards may not be listed, Campbells Wines is recognized across the industry for their expertise and consistency in fortified Muscat production.
Pairing
This classic Muscat shines as both a luxurious dessert wine and a creative match for a variety of dishes. Consider pairing with:
- Sticky toffee pudding or crème brûlée
- Pecan pie, fruit tarts, or caramel desserts
- Blue cheeses or rich, creamy cheeses
- Roasted nuts and nut-based pastries
- Enjoy as an after-dinner treat with espresso or as a finale to a rich meal
Its sweetness, intense flavor profile, and freshness make it a versatile companion for indulgent desserts, cheese platters, and contemplative sipping.
Campbells of Rutherglen stands as a pillar of the Australian wine story, with roots stretching back to 1870. Founded by John Campbell, who left the goldfields for the promise of Rutherglen’s soils, the estate has thrived for over 150 years through five generations of family custodianship. Today, the legacy continues with sisters Jane and Julie Campbell - Jane as Managing Director and Julie as Head Winemaker - carrying forward the hallmarks of evolution, innovation and unwavering quality. The family's enduring approach combines tradition with pioneering techniques, ensuring Campbells remains a beacon among Australia's historic wine clans.
Campbells Wines enjoys a decorated track record on both national and international stages. Their fortified wines, especially Rutherglen Muscat and Topaque, are regularly celebrated as benchmarks of the style. The estate’s Rare Merchant Prince Rutherglen Muscat achieved the prestigious “Best in Show” at the Decanter World Wine Awards - a rare feat from a global field of more than 16,500 wines. Their NV Rare Muscat has been honored as Best Australian Fortified Muscat at the esteemed Rutherglen Wine Show. Such awards underscore the estate’s consistent delivery of exceptional wines that speak of place, patience, and craftsmanship.
Campbells’ Rutherglen vineyard offers an impressive spectrum of wines. Their flagship Bobbie Burns Shiraz and The Barkly Durif lead a line-up of classic reds, while fortification mastery is on show in their acclaimed Muscats and Topaques - complex, matured, and world-renowned. The estate hasn’t rested on tradition alone; recent decades have seen the addition of Tempranillo, Roussanne, Viognier, and more, reflecting a spirit of innovation and a focus on contemporary tastes. Their portfolio also embraces whites and limited field blends, all shaped by the unique climate and soils of the Rutherglen region.
To visit Campbells is to engage with history in the glass. With its welcoming cellar door, impressive line-up of back vintages, and behind-the-scenes tours, Campbells of Rutherglen continues to celebrate the story of Australian wine—one bottle at a time.