Top Picks for Fortified Wines

Medium steely amber color. Aromas of candied walnut, soy sauce, pecans, and brine with a fat body and a polished, layered, medium-long white peppercorn, marzipan, sesame oil, butterscotch, and burnt honey finish with no oak flavor. A sweet, savory and nutty Port-style Fortified Wine; well-balanced and perfect to elevate all kinds of dessert pairings.

Awards: 2021 Best Port-Style Wine

Black garnet color. Fruity aromas and flavors of raisins, dried apricot, cinnamon-sugar, coffee candies, nutmeg, blood orange, star anise, and toffee with a satiny, vibrant, sweet medium body and a warming, layered, long finish. A bright and balanced Port-style wine that is sure to please the after-dinner crowd.

Brown brick red color. Aromas of salted caramel, butterscotch, dried orange, sun dried tomato, and toasted coconut with a round, lively, sweet medium-to-full body and a warming, interesting, medium-long cocoa butter, blood orange flesh, spiced lemon cookies, sweet toffee with hazelnuts, and espresso crema finish with light oak flavor. A tasty, caramelly 20 Year Tawny Porto that will finish the meal in style.

Deep purple color. Aromas and flavors of ripe blackberries, dried apricots, creamy hazelnut spread, and brown sugar on oats with a round, lively, fruity medium body and a warming, intriguing, medium-long finish with notes of dark chocolate chips and cherry pie with moderate oak flavor. An easy-drinking and silky fortified wine with ripe berry flavors.

Deep purple color. Aromas and flavors of saddle leather, floral spiced berries, orange agave marmalade, and peanut and pumpkin seed brittle with a satiny, vibrant, moderately sweet medium-to-full body and a peppery, engaging, medium-long finish with notes of crystallized ginger, sassafras, cherry cola, and pink pepper. A vibrant young fortified wine that will be very versatile; try on ice cream or in cocktails.

Burnt sienna color. Aromas of salted Marcona almonds, dried leaves, allspice, clove, caramel, butterscotch, and dried peach with a satiny, vibrant, sweet medium body and an effortless, compelling, medium-long vanilla-almond bark finish with moderate oak flavor. A satisfying 10-Year Tawny Port with delicate spice and the rich caramelly notes you crave.

Dusty light garnet color. Aromas and flavors of baked peach, raspberry glaze, sugared melon, pasteis de nata, honey, and orange blossom with a satiny, vibrant, sweet light-to-medium body and a sleek, captivating, medium-length finish that presents suggestions of orange peel and caramel with light oak flavor. A fragrant, outgoing Fortified wine that will be a dream with sweet almond desserts.

Dark brown brick red color. Aromas and flavors of fresh brownies, creme brulee, rum-raisin cake, and chocolate-mint cookies with a round, vibrant, sweet medium-to-full body and a smooth, captivating, medium-length finish evoking notes of candied ginger and orange peel and soy glazed-nuts with light oak flavor. A rich, chocolatey Domestic Port-Style Wine that will pair effortlessly with blue cheese and creamy desserts.

Dark brown brick red color. Aromas of chocolate wafer cookies, plum pudding, dried figs, and molasses with a satiny, crisp, moderately sweet medium body and a tingling, interesting, medium-length raisins and lemon cheesecake finish with moderate oak flavor. A rich, vibrant Port-Style wine with notes of chocolate and candied citrus.

Brilliant light amber color. Savory, fruity aromas and flavors of preserved peaches, pineapple herb shrub, salted caramel, saffron, and white tea with a silky, bright, fruity sweet medium-to-full body and a seamless, breezy finish manifesting elements of apricot cobbler, black strap molasses cookie, floral iced tea with honey, and hint of smoked nuts. A nice, not-too-sweet dessert wine that with its bright acidity, layered flavors, and chewy fruit tannins will pair nicely.