R.L. Buller & Son Victoria Tawny

The Victoria Tawny exhibits a medium garnet color in addition to sweet, unctuous strawberry and cherry fruit. It is a blend of four grapes, Carina, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, and Shiraz. This blend represents the newest bottled offerings from this Rutherglen producer, an area that produces spectacular fortifieds, especially the Muscats and Tokays (actually Muscadelle). Its freshness, good acidity, soaring aromatics, and unctuous flavors must be tasted to be believed.

The N.V. Victoria Tawny is ruby/amber colored with notes of molasses and caramelized fig. The flavors brought back childhood memories of the famous Fig Newton cookie.

The Victoria Tawny Port is a remarkable, sweet, concentrated, complex Tawny that can easily compete with Portugal’s finest… at a fraction of the price.

This young tawny, actually garnet in color, is warm and supple. And although this easygoing tawny lacks a bit of complexity, it boasts ample, mouthfilling flavors of black cherry, plum and chocolate.

Faded red color. Cherry and red currant scents, with complicating notes of dried flowers and baking spices. Rich pit fruit and cherry flavors are firmed by tangy acidity and pick up a lush caramel quality on the back end. Very sweet but there’s ample acidity here to keep thins in focus. The finish repeats the spice notes and lingers with good persistence.

The non-vintage Victoria Tawny exhibits a medium ruby/amber color as well as plenty of strawberry and cherry fruit. Although the least distinguished of this group, it is a very good Tawny Port imitation.

Dark and juicy, with distinct earthy-gamy overtones to the coffee- and spice-scented cherry flavors, finishing moderately sweet. Drink now.

More of a murky garnet than truly tawny, this inexpensive Port-style wine features chocolate, plum and prune flavors and a supple, silky mouthfeel.

On Christmas Eve we had our annual family gathering to celebrate the holidays. After dinner, we stepped out to the garage to enjoy cigars and libations; we’re forbidden to smoke in the house. My contribution was the Buller Tawny Port from Australia. We found the wine to be sweet, but not cloying, and adorned with a complex medley of toffee, cinnamon, walnut and raisin flavors that are fortified with a bonding dose of brandy. Cigar smoke swirled while the port slowly wove its magic. Conversations were fluid and stimulating as we covered a wide range of subjects, and the good times flowed. When consumed in moderation, wine captures a sweet moment in time and elevates one’s appreciation of what life has to offer.

Sweet fruit flavors combined with developed porty characters. Hints of rancio. Well integrated spirit. Clean fresh finish.