And now for dessert!

I have yet to look at dessert wines, so last night's bottle was also my first. It comes from a place not so well known for their strong fortified wines, Australia. This Muscat from Victoria came very highly recommended from the manage of a store back near my home, who heard I was looking for a very full, complex and interesting dessert wine, that was also under $20 or so (Yes, college kids can't drop big money on wine, its true). R. L. Buller & Son is a wonderful producer that makes a variety of Port-like wines in Victoria, as well as this Muscat offering. I highly recommend you seek them out here.

Price (Paid in Ithaca NY): $13

Maker: R. L. Buller & Son

Vintage: NV

Country/Appelation: Australia/Victoria

Varietal/Blend: 100% Muscat

Special Designations: Fine Old

Nose: Brown sugar, Molasses, and a hint of cherry wrap themselves in a velvety heated nose. It's almost like wrapping yourself in a warm electric blanket in the middle of a kitchen with lots of baking going on.

Taste: The mouthfeel is equally smooth, with the alcohol not posing any problems and evoking an Allspice character on the finish. The silky smooth texture first brings out raisins, molasses and a bit or caramel. It then moves into an even fuller toffee, apricot, caramel and brown sugary mix, with an endless complexity lying just under the syrupy coating. The delightful full finish then seems to last forever. A fantastic wine and a fantastic buy. Wow! (This wine also lasts for a while in the open bottle, so feel free to enjoy this over a few days, as its something you have to sip slowly to fully enjoy)

QPR: Excellent QPR. Even at $13 for a half bottle, I'd like to see you do better.

Good Pairings: Honestly, this wine would steal the show from whatever you ate with it, but if you insist, simple cheesecakes would be simply devine as a compliment. Another idea that was broached was reducing some and serving it over pancakes or vanilla ice cream, though we didn't get around to doing it because it was so good out of the bottle!

Final Thoughts: This was possibly the best wine I have ever tasted, and an amazing bottle to open for the price. It is simply a show stopper with its complexity and aromas. The only thing that could scare people away would be the higher alcohol content of this fortified wine. Let me assure you, it doesn't come across hash, but with much the same warming power that a mug of hot cocoa would. If you're looking for a cheap adventure that will blow your mind, here it is. Fantastic.