Thanks for the info. I've bought Campbell's Rutherglen Muscat and Tokay in the past, and they're great but a little heavier than the Tawnies. They don't appeal as well to the guys who just want to sip a glass of something in the evening.
As for the tax issue -- I just talked yesterday to an Ohio wine bar owner who just got back from a (wonderful) trip to Australia. He said your alcohol taxes are higher than ours, with the result that even after paying to ship it halfway around the world, we can still sell a bottle of Aussie wine for several dollars less than you're able to. Crazy...
But the devaluation thing may have been enough to kill the Tawnies in the under $20 USD price range.
Anyone have any other ideas?

Here in the United States, I used to be able to get lots of great Australian Tawny. I own a wine shop, and I had all sorts of customers who loved Chateau Reynella Old Cave, McGuigan Reserve, Buller's, even inexpensive Yalumba Clocktower. About two years ago, they all started disappearing. Eventually, they all became impossible to get.
Can anyone down there tell me what's going on?

Thanks for the great explanation. So it really is all about playing the hand you're dealt... Do you distribute your Lefthanded wines in the U.S.? I'd love to try them.
Cheers, Deb.

Thanks, genxywines. I've also heard from a Napa Valley winemaker that high alcohol kills a wine's age-worthiness, and I'm guessing everyone is now on board with that concept. In the U.S. it's now the Petite Sirah's and Zinfandels that push the 16% limit. With relatively little acid to balance the alcohol, many show a real Port-like character. But go figure -- some wine drinkers like that style. Personally, my fun meter peaks after about half a glass of that stuff.
Glad to hear the Aussies are going for (relatively) moderate levels -- they'd still choke a European!
I'll check out your website and see what I can find Stateside. You can check out mine, too: thewinecellarsclub.com. I've done several reviews of Australian wines. Cheers!

Thanks for your suggestions (and for agreeing with me, of course). I live in the States so I don't have access to all your great Aussie wines, but I know I can get Henry's Drive. I'll start there!