Morris of Rutherglen, 'Classic Topaque', NV, Rutherglen (GI)

'One-Liner'
One of Australia’s great fortified styles – luscious toffee, honey and treacle balanced by fig, tea leaf and remarkable freshness.

Tasting Note
Mid-amber with subtle green highlights, opening with concentrated aromas of malt, treacle and preserved fig. The palate is rich and intensely flavoured, with luscious toffee and honey joined by caramel, dried fruit and a distinctive cold-tea character that is classic Topaque. Despite the sweetness and concentration, there is enough freshness and tannic grip to keep the wine beautifully balanced. Extended time in barrel brings gentle woody and savoury complexity without overwhelming the Muscadelle fruit. Long, warming and wonderfully persistent on the finish, with toffee, honey, fig and tea leaf lingering behind.

Country: Australia
Region: Victoria
Sub-Region: Rutherglen GI
Grape(s): 100% Muscadelle
ABV: 17.5%
Friendly: n/a

Awards & Critics' Scores
IWSC 2026 – Silver Medal
China Wine & Spirits Awards 2025 – Double Gold
Queensland Royal Wine Show 2024 – Gold Medal
Royal Perth Wine Show 2024 – Gold Medal

The Story
Topaque is one of Australia’s most distinctive fortified wines, made from Muscadelle and particularly associated with Rutherglen in north-eastern Victoria. The style was historically known in Australia as Tokay, but the name was changed to Topaque to protect Hungary’s Tokaji designation and give this uniquely Australian wine an identity of its own. Morris has been part of the Rutherglen story since George Morris planted vines there in 1859, and today sixth-generation winemaker Madden Morris continues the family tradition. The Classic Topaque is matured in barrel to develop the malt, treacle, honey and tea-leaf character for which the style is famous, while retaining enough freshness to stop all that richness from becoming heavy.

Perfect With... (click me for the recipe)
- Vegetarian: Sticky toffee pudding
- Vegan: Vegan sticky date pudding with orange, pecans and warm treacle sauce