With an equally very deep brown color, the NV Calliope Rare Tokay reveals aromas of walnut cake, toasted hazelnuts, black molasses, brown sugar and macerated sultanas. It has profound richness with a full, viscous texture and very high level of sweetness plus a good amount of acid to balance. The finish is amazingly long and wonderfully spicy. Best known for their rare, fortified vintage blends of Muscat and Tokay – the style that really put Rutherglen on the fine wine map – R L Buller also produce some very good if robust table wines that speak of the region’s hot growing season.Importer: Southern Starz, Huntington Beach, CA; tel. (714) 892-3030

The NV Calliope Grand Tokay has a very deep brown color and complex aromas of treacle, fruit cake, toasted hazelnut and a touch of earth. It’s incredibly sweet, rich and viscous with a high level of acidity to enliven the palate. The finish is long with layers of dried fruit and nut flavors. Best known for their rare, fortified vintage blends of Muscat and Tokay – the style that really put Rutherglen on the fine wine map – R L Buller also produce some very good if robust table wines that speak of the region’s hot growing season.Importer: Southern Starz, Huntington Beach, CA; tel. (714) 892-3030

Thick, dark brown and looking as much like molasses as wine, Buller’s Calliope Rare Tokay has a soy-like meatiness to it, a leathery note that adds complexity to its notes of treacle and rancio. Almost too sweet and syrupy, with an endless finish. ——J.C.(2/1/2011)—— 95