TN: R.L.Buller&Son NV Muscat

[Jay Powers]

R.L.Buller&Son

Premium Fine Muscat (NV)

Victoria, Australia

At first sip, I'm not so sure why RP gave this 97 points. Very sweet, viscous, seems very similar to a PX sherry in feel and viscosity. On the nose there is some complexity but this is overwhelmed by the cloying sweetnes. Not much acid to make it up on the pallet. I'll try again tomorrow night.

Last night I tried the R.L.Buller&Son Premium Tokay, which I assume is supposed to be similar to a Takaji (which I like very much). It's not really, and lacks some of the acidity and "tang" but I found it to be more to my taste than the Muscat. RP gave this one 95 points. I would not go so far, but found it better than the Muscat.

Can anybody suggest a reasonably priced Muscat that is representitive of the style? This one was the only Muscat I have ever tried, and without a suggestion for another, it's likely to be the last. And for the Australian Victoria region Tokay, should I just give up and stick to the real stuff, or are there some good wines to be had? Thanks for your thoughts,

Jay