New South Wales

Chalkers Crossing

Hilltops

When Ben Glaetzer won the Qantas Young Australian Winemaker of the Year in 2004 he was following in the footsteps of a number of other highly regarded Australian winemakers, one of whom, Frenchwoman Celine Rousseau (2002 winner) is now making wines in a part of New South Wales called ‘Hilltops’, which is better known for cherries than wine, some 150km north west of Canberra and 200km south west of Sydney.

We were impressed by the quality, value and most importantly, the style. Celine insists “It’s important to me that when you drink Chalkers Crossing wine you get a true sense of the unique terroir of our single vineyards in the NSW regions of Tumbarumba and Young.“

Established by geologists Ted and Wendy Ambler the first vines were planted in what was a neglected plum orchard late in 1997, and 2000 was the first vintage – made in the brand new, state of the art winery. Riesling, Semillon, Shiraz and Cabernet are from Chalkers’ own vineyards; Sauvignon and Chardonnay are from grapes grown for Chalkers by a couple of top growers in nearby Tumbarumba.

“As always, there were Chalkers Crossing wines knocking on every door, including some beautiful prior vintages. Sommeliers take note; this is a serious producer.” James Halliday Australian Wine Companion 2005 Top 100

"Winemaker Celine Rousseau was born in France’s Loire Valley, trained in Bordeaux and has worked in Bordeaux, Champagne, Languedoc, Margaret River and the Perth Hills.  This Flying Winemaker (now an Australian citizen) has exceptional skills and dedication."  James Halliday Australian Wine Companion 2011

5 stars James Halliday Australian Wine Companion 2009, 2010 and 2011 - "an outstanding winery, regularly producing wines of exemplary quality and typicity."  

In 2011 Halliday has included Chalkers Crossing in his list of the Best of the Best.

Visit: www.chalkerscrossing.com.au