R.L. Buller & Son R.L. Buller & Son Calliope Rutherglen Rare Tokay NV 375ml

The prodigious, dark amber-colored Calliope Rare Tokay boasts colossal aromatics and flavors of melted caramels, coffee, toffee, candied fruits marinated in cognac, magnificent richness, and a huge finish that lasts over 70 seconds. My tasting notes for these wines were virtually identical to those from my report in issue #155 as the solera blends for these cuvees remain essentially the same. I did rate the Victoria Tawny slightly higher this year. Readers just need to be aware that these fortifieds must be tasted to be believed as they are among the world’s most profound after-dinner fortified wines.

Sweet, spicy and subtle, an elegant dessert wine with pretty flavors of brown sugar, hazelnut, caramel and exotic spices swirling around a slick core of cherry flavor way down deep in the middle of the wine.