Description
Aroma
The bouquet offers lifted aromas of ripe, spicy fruit, concentrated berry notes, and an undercurrent of oak complexity developed during long maturation in small oak casks. The aromatic profile hints at aged fruit and dried berries, supporting the wine’s warm, inviting character.
Awards & Points
As of July 2025, there are no major published awards or points reported specifically for Campbells The Empire. However, Campbells Wines is a highly regarded Rutherglen producer, well known for its excellence in fortified wines and a strong record of receiving high ratings and ribbons for their portfolio at regional and national events over the years.
Pairing
Campbells The Empire pairs superbly with:
- Blue cheeses, such as Stilton or Roquefort
- Rich desserts featuring chocolate or caramel
- Lightly sweet confections like sticky date pudding
- Strong roasted coffee, as an after-dinner treat
The wine’s intensity and sweetness also complement nuts, dried fruits, and strong-flavored aged cheeses, making it a natural choice for a decadent dessert platter or fireside 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.
