About Fortified Wines

A fortified wine is one in which a neutral alcoholic spirit or grape brandy has been added to increase the alcoholic level. Famous examples include port, sherry and vermouth.

When the brandy or neutral spirit is added, alcohol increased from 14% to a level between 18% to 20%, taking them out of the table wine category. Fortified wines in many countries are thus taxed at a higher rate than table wines.

Top Picks for Fortified Wines

Weis Vineyards NV One Eighty Three Dessert Wine Finger Lakes
97 points
$39
Weis Vineyards
NV One Eighty Three Dessert Wine Finger Lakes
A remarkably rich, delicious, and warming American fortified wine with Old World nuances that add complexity and delight; definitely a benchmark for domestic port style wine that tastes like a true vintage port.
Awards: 2023 New York Wine Classic - Best Fortified (Port-Like)
97 points $39
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Date Tasted:
Sandeman 20 Year Old Tawny Porto Douro
95 points
$64.99
Sandeman
20 Year Old Tawny Porto Douro
A high quality and dangerous after dinner drink that would pair well with dessert and transition splendidly to an after dinner brown spirit.
Awards: 2022 Best Port 2022 Best Port 20 Year Tawny
95 points $64.99
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Date Tasted:
St. Julian NV Solera Cream Sherry Lake Michigan Shore
93 points
$13
Best Buy
St. Julian
NV Solera Cream Sherry Lake Michigan Shore
Concentrated fruit backed with a tart acidity, this would pair well with blue cheese and candied nuts.
Awards: '2023 Michigan Governor's Cup - Best Fortified Wine'
93 points $13 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Sandeman NV Founders Reserve Ruby Porto Douro
93 points
$24.99
Sandeman
NV Founder's Reserve Ruby Porto Douro
An excellent after dinner Port to pair with a mild Maduro cigar, flourless chocolate cake, or blue cheese.
Awards: 2022 Best Ruby Port
93 points $24.99
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Date Tasted:
Johnson Estate NV Old Oak Ruby Estate Grown Bourbon Barrel Aged Dessert Wine Lake Erie
92 points
$18
Best Buy
Johnson Estate
NV Old Oak Ruby Estate Grown Bourbon Barrel Aged Dessert Wine Lake Erie
A spicy and distinctive domestic port with lovely layers of bourbon barrel notes.
92 points $18 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Two K Farms NV Barrel-Aged Pommeau Leelanau Peninsula
92 points
$35
Two K Farms
NV Barrel-Aged Pommeau Leelanau Peninsula
Delicious fresh apple cider with more apple juice, a little baking spice, and just a splash of Bourbon.
92 points $35
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Date Tasted:
45 North Vineyard & Winery NV Special Reserve Northport #21 Leelanau Peninsula
92 points
$65
45 North Vineyard & Winery
NV Special Reserve Northport #21 Leelanau Peninsula
A silky and satisfying fortified wine with loads of delicious berry and Bourbon-barrel accented flavors.
92 points $65
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Date Tasted:
Stone Hill Winery NV Cream Sherry Missouri
92 points
$32
Stone Hill Winery
NV Cream Sherry Missouri
This wine brings to mind salted caramels on a camping trip through a cedar grove; a lovely Cream Sherry.
Awards: 2023 Americana Cup - Best Fortified Wine
92 points $32
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Date Tasted:
St. Julian NV Cathermans Port Chambourcin
87 points
$13.99
Best Buy
St. Julian
NV Catherman's Port Chambourcin
This reads very clearly as both Chambourcin and Port; tip of the cap.
87 points $13.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
White Pine 2021 Reserve Mirage Dessert Wine Lake Michigan Shore
87 points
$19
White Pine
2021 Reserve Mirage Dessert Wine Lake Michigan Shore
An intriguing fortified wine with interesting wood character; try in cocktails.
87 points $19
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Date Tasted: