Alongside Morris Wine, Chambers Rosewood is Australia’s premier fortified house.  Yes, you read that correctly.  In a nation renowned for its glorious fortified wines, Chambers is the best.  Chambers also has a range of regular still wines, but the fortified are the reason you must visit.  They are the sort of wines that prove fortifieds can be as lethally serious, as glorious complex, and more velvety smooth than any Shiraz, Cab Sav, or Bordeaux blend.  Even for people who think they don’t like fortified, this would still be a top recommendation in the region.

Established in 1858 by William Chambers, the place remains in the family today, and in fact you may see 80+ Bill Chambers himself at the cellar door on any given weekend.  The place exudes warmth and charm, and the people could not be friendlier.  Show a little interest, and you may score a tour of the winery from one of the gracious family members.    And best of all, perfection here starts incredibly at around only $20.  Their $20 Mt Carmel is so soft and pillowy; the depth of the caramel delish flavour doesn’t fully register until its gone.  And the Old Vine Muscat… if you are going to spend $25 on any bottle of fortified, this is the one to pick.  A hyper serious nose leads into a perfectly subdued Muscat.  We give it a 98/99.