About Dessert Wines

A sweet wine is one that contains enough residual sugar to be considered too sweet for dinner (= 5% RS). Some of these wines are naturally sweet, while others are fortified. Examples of the former category include Auslese from Germany or passito from Italy, while fortified sweet wines include port as well as sweet sherries such as PX.

Alcoholic levels vary with these sweet wines, from 5.5% for a Moscato d'Asti from Italy to 20% with a port or sherry. Colors range from light amber to deep gold for a non-fortified sweet wine, such as Riesling; these wines have aromas of honey, caramel and tropical fruits.

There are also sweet liqueurs, such as cream-based or fruit-based, produced from any number of fruits from raspberries and cherries to peaches and bananas.

Top Picks for Dessert Wines

Johnson Estate 2019 Estate Grown Ice Wine Chambourcin
94 points
$49
Johnson Estate
2019 Estate Grown Ice Wine Chambourcin
Garnet black color. Aromas of boysenberry, damson plum, birch, lilac, and rhubarb preserves with a round, lively, sweet medium-to-full body and a silky, complex, very long blackberry coulis, hints of ripe mango, candied ginger, and glazed pastry finish with a suggestion of oak flavor. An outstanding expression of Chambourcin; this is a great Ice Wine to let the grape’s best characteristics shine.
Awards: 2021 Best Ice Wine
94 points $49
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Date Tasted:
Medal Royal 2018 Late Harvest with Natural Botrytis Muscat
94 points
$17
Best Buy
Medal Royal
2018 Late Harvest with Natural Botrytis Muscat
Golden straw color. Aromas and flavors of honey, caramel, rum-soaked apricot, candied pineapple, and suede with a round, tangy, very sweet medium-to-full body and a subtle, long finish imparting shades of honey-roasted macadamia nuts, brown butter, allspice, and salted pecans. A divine, Sauternes-esque Late Harvest wine that delights the senses.
94 points $17 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Weis Vineyards 2019 Ice Wine Riesling
92 points
$59
Weis Vineyards
2019 Ice Wine Riesling
Golden straw color. Aromas of dried apricots and pineapple in yogurt and honey-nut granola with a velvety, vibrant, moderately sweet light-to-medium body and a seamless, compelling, medium-long ripe peach, honeysuckle, and apple custard finish with no oak flavor. A juicy and balanced Ice Wine that keeps you coming back for more.
92 points $59
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Date Tasted:
Domaine Bosc Long 2015 Muscadelle Doux Gaillac AOP
91 points
$14.99
Best Buy
Domaine Bosc Long
2015 Muscadelle Doux Gaillac AOP
Brilliant dark old gold color. Aromas and flavors of artisan peach tart, poached mango, sweet cheesecake, roast banana with cashews, and anise with a satiny, crisp, sweet light-to-medium body and an effortless, complex, medium-length finish that exhibits overtones of maple-pecan granola, bergamot, and hints of tea. A charming and distinctive Late Harvest wine with diverse fruity flavors and a warmly spiced finish.
91 points $14.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Grgich Hills 2018 Violetta Napa Valley
91 points
$85
Grgich Hills
2018 Violetta Napa Valley
Light gold color. Inviting aromas and flavors of apricots in syrup, floral honeycomb, tangerine zest, candied pineapple, and baklava with a silky, vibrant, sweet light body and a seamless, interesting, medium-long finish that presents accents of candied lemon peel, ginger, and hints of saffron with a suggestion of oak flavor. A rich and nicely layered Late Harvest wine from Napa.
91 points $85
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Date Tasted:
Frost Bitten 2019 Ice Riesling Riesling
91 points
$14
Best Buy
Frost Bitten
2019 Ice Riesling Riesling
Golden straw color. Aromas and flavors of poached pear, wildflower honey, elderflower, dried apricot, diced pineapple, and sultanas with a round, lively, sweet medium body and a polished, subtle, long finish. Intense, sophisticated fruit leaps to the nose and palate in this concentrated Ice Wine pleaser.
91 points $14 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
San Antonio Fruit Farm NV Semi-Sweet Peach Passion Fruit Flavored Wine Italy
90 points
$16
Best Buy
San Antonio Fruit Farm
NV Semi-Sweet Peach Passion Fruit Flavored Wine Italy
Clear color. Aromas of elderflower and white tea with a medium-full body and a medium-long jasmine, brown sugar, and capers finish. A floral, slightly sweet wine for affogados.
90 points $16 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Quady 2020 Electra White Moscato
90 points
$15
Quady
2020 Electra White Moscato
Straw green color. Interesting aromas and flavors of oatmeal with golden raisins and pecans, saddle leather, dried peaches and pits, and matcha with a supple, bright, moderately sweet medium body and an effortless, complex, long finish that exhibits overtones of honeyed dried apricot, orange marmalade, and ground almond. A vibrantly delicious and concentrated dessert wine that will be a fine end to a rich meal.
90 points $15
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Date Tasted:
Corte Bella Rosso
90 points
$6.99
Best Buy
Corte Bella
Rosso
Ruby garnet color. Aromas and flavors of strawberry sorbet, pomegranate juice, rosehip preserves, and ume with a satiny, crisp, effervescent, fruity medium body and a smooth, interesting, medium-length finish conveying nuances of strawberry shortcake, raspberry gelee, and wet stone with no oak flavor. A delicious, fun and fizzy red that is sure to be a hit; drink up.
90 points $6.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Tomasello 2020 Epilogue Ice Wine Riesling
89 points
$35
Tomasello
2020 Epilogue Ice Wine Riesling
Brilliant gold color. Aromas and flavors of honeyed sultanas, glazed dried apricots, tea with lemon, and honeysuckle with a velvety, bright, sweet medium-full body and a warming, intricate, long finish that exhibits nuances of peach-fig marmalade and apple cider with no oak flavor. A velvety and delicious ice wine that will rule with desserts and cheeses.
89 points $35
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Date Tasted: