2023 Halliday Wine Companion - Morris of Rutherglen

2023 Halliday Wine Companion

Discover the 2023 Halliday Wine Companion Gold medal-rated wines from Morris of Rutherglen

The much-anticipated results of the 2023 Halliday Wine Companion awards are here. James Halliday has been Australia's most respected wine critic for nearly 40 years, and the annual Halliday Wine Companion is recognised as the benchmark for Australian wine.

From a total of more than 8000 wines tasted for the 2023 Wine Companion, we are delighted that four Morris wines achieved gold (a score of 95 or above), including an incredible 98/100 points awarded to Morris Old Premium Rare Topaque NV.
Other notable scores are:

Morris Old Premium Rare Muscat NV – 97 points Gold
Morris Classic Topaque NV – 95 Gold
Morris Charles Henry Morris Shiraz 2018 – 95 Gold
 
Reviewer, Jeni Port, described the sublime Morris Old Premium Rare Topaque as;

A masterclass from Australia's greatest fortified maker, David Morris, right here. The depth of complexity and intensity lays bare the art of the blender and the depth and quality of the source material. Dried fruit, malt, fruitcake, caramel toffees, licorice, roasted hazelnut and so much more infused in an enveloping umami warmth.”

This is a special occasion wine perfect on its own, but Chief Winemaker David Morris recommends trying it poured over vanilla bean ice cream for something truly decadent.

The CHM Range is dedicated to fourth generation winemaker, Charles Henry Morris (‘Mick’). This Shiraz is Morris of Rutherglen’s best expression of a Shiraz, released in special vintages made using traditional winemaking techniques handed down from generation to generation to honour Morris’ legacy for some of the region’s best red wines.

Reviewing this wine for the 2023 Halliday Wine Companion, Jeni Port describes it as;

“Hand-picked fruit, fermented in open vats, basket pressed then matured in American and French oak. Old-school through and through, making a powerful statement about old vines, tradition and endurance. Impenetrable, dark and dense black-garnet hues. It's far from shy but it is balanced (even at 15% alcohol!) with a robust, rich display of fruitcake, cassis, aniseed, clove, nutmeg, a rustic earthiness, coffee and vanilla. Deeply complex tied up in sapid, fine tannins. Just starting life.”

Having spent time in-bottle, this wine may be enjoyed now or could further cellar for years to come. If you can’t wait, and we don’t blame you, David Morris believes it makes a wonderful accompaniment to roasted meat or a hearty ragù.
A big thank you to our winemakers, viticulture team, and everyone involved in creating this exceptional wine. We hope you enjoy it and experience the history, passion and rich stories captured in every bottle of Morris wine.