Chambers Old Vine Muscadelle

Produced using a modified solera system that has been in operation since the late 20th century, using 1986 muscadelle as the base. A blend of vines aged between 40 and 100-plus years. Delivers a finely nuanced fortified masterclass equivalent to the second or Classic classification. Classic, indeed, in the Chambers style, which effortlessly mingles dried fruits, malt biscuit and rancio walnut nuttiness with a richness of spice and floral aromatics in vanilla, cardamom and bergamot. Heady, fine and yet so complex and fresh. What value! 375ml. Points: 95/100

Halliday Wine Companion ∙ 10th Dec 2025

Produced using a modified solera system that has been in operation since the late 20th century, using 1986 muscadelle as the base. A blend of vines aged between 40 and 100-plus years. Delivers a finely nuanced fortified masterclass equivalent to the second or Classic classification. Classic, indeed, in the Chambers style, which effortlessly mingles dried fruits, malt biscuit and rancio walnut nuttiness with a richness of spice and floral aromatics in vanilla, cardamom and bergamot. Heady, fine and yet so complex and fresh. What value! 375ml. Points: 95/100

Halliday Wine Companion ∙ 10th Dec 2025

Medium-full tawny brown in the glass with a yellow meniscus; aged toffee/caramel aromas with a malt, old leather armchair and tealeaf overtones; the wine is very complex and mellow in the mouth with measured sweetness. It's not a great sugar bomb, but impresses with flavour rather than sugar. Points: 95/100

The Real Review ∙ 4th Feb 2025

The age of the solera, the talent of the blender and a family history that goes back generations tell quite a story here. Age is obvious in the deep amber hues and the complexity and intensity of caramel, dark malt biscuit, Christmas cake and toasted nutty flavour. So smooth, so luscious. And to think this is only the second tier – equivalent to the classic level – in the Muscat of Rutherglen classification. 375ml. Points: 95/100

James Halliday Wine Companion 2025, 7 August, 2024 ∙ 20th Feb 2024

Equivalent to 'Classic Rutherglen Muscat' level with an average age of 6–10 years maturation. The deep amber colour indicates a move up in age and complexity. Intensity levels rise all-around in rich malt, roasted nuts, toffee and raisin with a splash of savoury fish oil. A classic style of Classic, simply delicious and so moreish. 375ml. Points: 95/100

Halliday Wine Companion ∙ 19th Dec 2022

Despite the odd marketing moniker ‘Topaque', the grape is indeed Muscadelle. Muscadelle kicks around Sauternes and the south-west of France before reaching its fortified apogee here, in Rutherglen. Mahogany. Date, fig, molasses, orange zest; not rancio depth as yet, but fresher for it. I love the underlying lemon curd lift of Muscadelle. Despite the decadence, there is always freshness. (Ned Goodwin) Points: 95/100

James Halliday Wine Companion 2021 ∙ 6th Aug 2020

A wine that Stephen Chambers has placed outside the normal Rutherglen classification system, 'old vine' rather than 'old wine'. Yet this is clearly much older than the entry point wine, now with edges of brown, the flavours distinctly more complex, with a burnt spice savoury edge to the toffee, cold tea and Christmas cake flavours. Exceptional value. 375ml. Points: 97/100

James Halliday Wine Companion 2020 ∙ 1st Aug 2019

A wine that Stephen Chambers has placed outside the normal Rutherglen classification system, 'old vine' rather than 'old wine'. Yet this is clearly much older than the entry point wine, now with edges of brown, the flavours distinctly more complex, with a burnt spice savoury edge to the toffee, cold tea and Christmas cake flavours. Exceptional value. Points: 97/100

Halliday Wine Companion 2019 ∙ 6th Aug 2018

Decanter World Wine Awards 2005 ∙ 1st Jan 2005