fortified wine
Evenus Zinfandel Port 2003
by admin on Jul.07, 2007, under dessert wine, fortified wine, wine
Background: Trader Joe's private label rebranding of a Paso Robles dessert wine.
Presentation: Tall, dark green half-bottle. Pours an opaque dark purple. 18.1% ABV
Nose: Huge red fruit, mainly strawberry and raspberry.
Taste: A real fruit bomb, but not overly sweet and has a nice acidic backbone. Has some spice in the front, then the nutty oxidized flavour comes forward to dominate the finish, and there are earthy undertones throughout.
Overall: A nice, inexpensive varietal “port” from California. Well balanced, but somewhat lacking in depth.
Yalumba Antique Tawny
by admin on Jun.10, 2007, under dessert wine, fortified wine, wine
Background: Australian dessert wine blended from a variety of grapes, including Grenache, Mourvèdre, Muscadelle, Touriga, Tinta Coa and Tinta Molle. The average age of the wines used in this blend is more than twelve years. Part of the winery's “Museum Reserve” line, which also includes a 50yo tawny.
Presentation: Clear 375ml bottle. Pours a deep amber. 19% ABV.
Nose: Sweet raisins and figs with caramel toffee notes.
Taste: Rich dried fruit with hints of chocolate and coffee on an oaky background. Though initially sweet, the mouthfeel has a dry edge and the long nutty finish, while rich, is not sticky or cloying.
Overall: Recommended. Shows well even against older ports, and is quite affordable.
Black Star Farms Sirius Maple Apple Wine
by admin on May.07, 2007, under apple wine, cider, dessert wine, fortified wine, fruit wine, wine
Background: Produced at Black Star Farms in (surprise, surprise) Leelanau County in northern Michigan. Apple wine, fortified with aged apple brandy and sweetened with maple syrup.
Presentation: Tall, 375 mL clear glass bottle. Spirit-style cork, rather than the typical wine cork. 16% ABV, pours a medium tan.
Nose: Apples and maple syrup. Hint of raisins and…tar?
Taste: Nice flavour profile. Nutty maple syrup with a background of apples. Definite raisin notes in the middle and a short, caramel finish. A bit too sweet.
Overall: Drinkable. Slightly unbalanced, but might be nice with soft to semi-hard savoury cheeses. I wouldn't pair it with anything sweet.
Leelanau Cellars Raspberry Port Wine
by admin on Apr.22, 2007, under dessert wine, fortified wine, fruit wine, raspberry wine, wine
Background: Leelanau Wine Cellars is located in northern Michigan and produces a wide range of wines. This dessert wine is produced by fortifying their raspberry wine with raspberry brandy.
Presentation: Clear half-bottle displays the colour. Pours a nice deep ruby. 18% ABV.
Nose: Rich raspberry aroma, with earthy undertones.
Taste: Sweet, fruity raspberry. Smooth, creamy mouthfeel and a mild acidic bite. Long raspberry finish that lingers and lingers.
Overall: Mindblowingly good. Makes a very nice digestif or nightcap.
