Tawny Taste-Off

Chateau Reynella 16 Year Old Tawny


Price: $9 from Dan Murphy's (375ml)
Closure: Cork; 19.5% alcohol

E-Hern:
Score: 89
Value: *****

Isn't great that you can open a bottle of Tawny and sip it slowly over an extended period of time and it still more or less remains the same? This bargain of a wine has the usual nutty, oxidised complexities on the nose. Reminds me rather much of a packet Soy Bean drink called Vitasoy! The palate is lusciously sweet and the same "rice" taste I get on many Tawnys. Some clean acidity balances the sweetness on the finish.



De Bortoli Old Boys 21 Year Old Tawny


Price: $38 from Dan Murphy's
Closure: Cork; 19.5% alcohol

E-Hern:
Score: 94
Value: ****

Deeper and darker in appearance compared to the Reynella. Translates well into the nose - stronger, bolder aromas. Smells fruitier and sweeter as well. The palate is a dead giveaway on the sheer class of this wine. More complex rancio flavours, a tighter and precise palate which gives way to a finish that is starkly lengthier than the Reynella. Tasted side-by-side, there is just no comparison. A wonderful Tawny and worth every cent.