{"title":"Fortified Wine","description":"\u003cp\u003eFortified wine covers a broad family of styles that share one thing in common: a spirit, usually a neutral grape brandy, added during or after fermentation to boost the alcohol content and, depending on the timing, control the sweetness too. Port remains the best-known example, ranging from lighter Ruby styles built for immediate drinking through to complex, barrel-aged Tawny expressions with real nutty depth. Sherry follows a completely different path, aged under a layer of yeast called flor that gives dry styles their distinctive tangy edge, while Madeira is famously heated during production for a uniquely oxidised character built to last for decades. Australian Muscat, Marsala, and Vin Doux Naturel round out the picture, each bringing its own regional take on the same basic idea. If Port is specifically what interests you, \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/portuguese-wine\"\u003ePortuguese Wine\u003c\/a\u003e covers the country's other specialties, and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/spanish-wine\"\u003eSpanish Wine\u003c\/a\u003e is worth a look for Sherry's origins.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"ash-ridge-hawkes-bay-the-winston-ruby-syrah-375ml","title":"Ash Ridge Hawkes Bay The Winston Ruby Syrah 375ml","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAsh Ridge Hawkes Bay The Winston Ruby Syrah 375ml\u003c\/strong\u003e is a rich, sweet fortified Syrah made for slow sipping and a well-stocked cheese board. Stewed plum, dark cherry and hedgerow berries meet dark chocolate, cedar and warming spice, while fine tannins bring structure to its plush, silky palate. The compact half-bottle is ideal when you want a couple of generous glasses without opening a full-sized dessert wine. Named after the Ashworth family's much-loved Labrador, The Winston is friendly, indulgent and difficult not to like. Serve it lightly chilled with blue cheese, dark chocolate fondant or slow-braised lamb.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the winery says:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Winston is a Ruby Syrah named after the Ashworth family's beloved Labrador, whose sweet, exuberant and friendly personality inspired the wine. Ash Ridge describes a rich, silky palate bursting with stewed fruit, chocolate and spice. The family-owned winery is based in Hawke's Bay's Bridge Pa Triangle, where its vineyard has been fully certified organic since the 2022 harvest.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the experts say:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCuisine, 4.5 Stars \u0026amp; Top 10 Fortified Wine (2024)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e“Hedgerow berries and cedar aromas abound on the nose of this ruby beauty.”\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wag\u0026Co","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53182015570287,"sku":"100248","price":167.94,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0968\/2252\/6319\/files\/AshRidgeHawkesBayTheWinstonRubySyrah.jpg?v=1784859044"},{"product_id":"chambers-rutherglen-muscat-375ml","title":"Chambers Rutherglen Muscat 375ml","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChambers Rutherglen Muscat 375ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eChambers Rosewood has been making Muscat in Rutherglen, Victoria since the 1850s, and this bottling captures the classic, generous style the family has built its reputation on. Made from Brown Muscat, also known as Muscat a Petit Grains, it is blended from parcels aged between six and ten years old in old oak. Expect an amber gold colour with copper hues, leading into a nose of raisins, sultanas and warm cinnamon spice lifted by the fortifying spirit. The palate is rich and silky, sweet dried fruit balanced by aged oak tannins and bright acidity, finishing clean rather than cloying. At 18% ABV, this is a small, indulgent pour built for slow sipping alongside blue cheese or something rich and chocolatey.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat the experts say:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eChristina Pickard, Wine Enthusiast (NV) - 93\/100\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003eChambers is a benchmark producer of the Rutherglen style and this late-picked Muscat offers a burnt-orange-sunset hue in the glass, with a green rim. Evoking enticing aromas of orange marmalade, honey, medjool dates and almond blossom, the palate continues along similar lines. Unctuous and intensely sweet, there's just enough acidity to keep this from syrup territory. It would benefit enormously from a creamy, salty cheese pairing.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dhall \u0026 Nash","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53182028087663,"sku":"100613","price":173.94,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0968\/2252\/6319\/files\/ChambersRutherglenMuscat375ml.jpg?v=1783919570"},{"product_id":"niepoort-tawny-port","title":"Niepoort Tawny Port","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNiepoort Tawny Port\u003c\/strong\u003e is aged for three and a half years in oak casks at the Niepoort cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, sourced from old vines in the Cima Corgo heart of the Douro Valley. Niepoort is one of the Douro's most respected Port houses, a small, family-run producer whose wines are held in the same regard as the region's biggest names.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the winery says:\u003c\/strong\u003e Freshness, lightness and balance are the aims here - \u003cem\u003e\"a Port easy to drink on any occasion.\"\u003c\/em\u003e The extended time in cask gives the wine its shiny, bright tawny colour along with soft, sweet tannins, and its structure means it keeps well once opened without needing to be decanted.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dhall \u0026 Nash","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53182028579183,"sku":"100627","price":227.94,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0968\/2252\/6319\/files\/NiepoortTawnyPort.jpg?v=1783917454"},{"product_id":"cockburns-special-reserve-port","title":"Cockburn's Special Reserve Port NV","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCockburn's Special Reserve Port\u003c\/strong\u003e brings classic Douro richness without asking you to wait for a grand occasion. This non-vintage Reserve Port is packed with bright red cherry, plum and strawberry, with a sweet, rounded texture, velvety tannins and a peppery, gently dry finish that keeps the fruit in check. First introduced in 1969, it helped establish the Reserve Port category and remains a polished, ready-to-drink style from one of Portugal's historic houses. Pour it after dinner with blue cheese, chocolate tart or roasted nuts, or serve it slightly chilled when the weather calls for a lighter touch.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the winery says:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCockburn's selects richly concentrated wines from vineyards in Portugal's Upper Douro, then matures the blend in oak vats before bottling. The extended wood ageing brings balance and smoothness while retaining its vibrant red fruit character, leading to the wine's distinctive peppery and slightly dry finish. It can be served at room temperature or lightly chilled, requires no decanting and is best enjoyed within four to six weeks of opening.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the experts say:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDecanter, 93 Points (NV)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"EuroVintage","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53182033461615,"sku":"100772","price":269.94,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0968\/2252\/6319\/files\/Cockburn_sSpecialReservePortNV_443fe713-ed72-499d-8a5f-ddc2f87a3430.jpg?v=1783647660"},{"product_id":"cockburns-fine-ruby-port","title":"Cockburn's Fine Ruby Port NV","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCockburn's Fine Ruby Port\u003c\/strong\u003e brings bright cherry and raspberry fruit in a sweet, smooth and easy-going style, with a lively ruby colour and a long, elegant finish. Blended from young Douro wines and given two to three years in oak, it keeps its freshness while gaining enough polish to feel right at home after dinner. Cockburn's has been making Port since 1815, and this approachable bottling is a handy introduction to the house. Pour it with a cheese board or rich chocolate dessert, serve it slightly chilled in warm weather, or keep it close for late-night conversation.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the winery says:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFine Ruby is made from a selection of young wines drawn from several harvests, then matured in oak for two to three years. Cockburn's describes fresh red-fruit aromas of cherry and raspberry, soft and balanced fruit on the palate, and a long, elegant finish. Serve it at room temperature or slightly chilled, particularly in warm weather. Once opened, it is best enjoyed within four to six weeks.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the experts say:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBenjamin Herzog and Dominik Vombach, Falstaff, 88 Points (NV)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003e\"Strong runic garnet, deep core, ochre reflections. Fresh berry fruit, ripe plums, preserved cherries. Juicy, medium complexity, powerful on the finish, fruity, clean style, sweet fig aftertaste, versatile.\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"EuroVintage","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53182033494383,"sku":"100773","price":239.94,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0968\/2252\/6319\/files\/Cockburn_sFineRubyPortNV.jpg?v=1783647599"},{"product_id":"cockburns-fine-tawny-port","title":"Cockburn's Fine Tawny Port NV","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCockburn's Fine Tawny Port\u003c\/strong\u003e is an easy-going Douro classic with ripe red fruit, mellow toffee and gently nutty flavours. Blending the freshness of young Port with the softer character gained from oak, it is sweet and smooth without becoming overly heavy. Cockburn's has been making Port since 1815, and this approachable bottle is a handy introduction to the house style. Serve it lightly chilled with rice pudding, fruit cake or salted nuts, or pour a glass after dinner when something warming and uncomplicated is called for.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the winery says:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eYoung, vibrant wines are expertly blended and matured for up to three years in seasoned oak casks. The finished Port has a brilliant reddish tawny colour, bright fruit aromas and ripe fruit flavours balanced by mellow notes of nuts and toffee. Serve lightly chilled in a generously sized Port or white wine glass. Once opened, it is best enjoyed within four to six weeks.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the experts say:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBenjamin Herzog and Dominik Vombach, Falstaff, 88 points (NV)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003e\"Medium carmine garnet, broad ochre rim. Fine nutty-caramel nuances, ripe plums, candied orange zest. On the palate cherry liqueur, delicate wood aromas, sweet finish, uncomplicated style suitable for everyday drinking.\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"EuroVintage","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53182033527151,"sku":"100774","price":239.94,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0968\/2252\/6319\/files\/Cockburn_sFineTawnyPortNV.jpg?v=1783646328"},{"product_id":"cockburns-10-year-old-tawny-port-500ml","title":"Cockburn's 10 Year Old Tawny Port 500ml NV","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCockburn's 10 Year Old Tawny Port 500ml\u003c\/strong\u003e is a polished Portuguese tawny Port blend from the Douro, presented in a useful 500ml bottle. Mellow and rounded, it layers honey, caramel and vanilla over dried fruit, walnut and almond, finishing smooth, luscious and lingering. Cockburn's has been making Port since 1815, and this is a fine introduction to the relaxed, nutty character of cask-aged tawny. Serve it lightly chilled with cinnamon apple pie, nut tart or a good conversation after dinner. It is also very content on its own, which may be the easiest pairing of all.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the winery says:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eYounger and more mature tawny Ports are carefully blended to balance fresh fruit with developed, mellow character. The wine has a brilliant tawny-red colour and aromas of honey, caramel and vanilla, followed by rounded dried-fruit flavours and notes of walnut and almond. It is 20% alcohol and is best served in a reasonably sized Port or white wine glass. Cockburn's recommends pairing it with sweet pastries such as cinnamon apple pie and enjoying it within six to eight weeks of opening.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the experts say:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSam Kim, Wine Orbit, 94 points and 5 stars (NV)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003e\"A classic matured tawny, showing dried fruit, toffee, cake spice and assorted nut characters on the nose, leading to a flavoursome palate that's velvety and creamy. Beautifully rounded and layered with textured mouthfeel, it finishes with satisfying caramel sweetness.\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDecanter World Wine Awards 2025, 93 points and Silver Medal (NV)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"EuroVintage","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53182033559919,"sku":"100775","price":251.94,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0968\/2252\/6319\/files\/Cockburn_s10YearOldTawnyPort500mlNV.jpg?v=1783646141"},{"product_id":"galway-pipe-grand-12-year-old-tawny-port","title":"Galway Pipe Grand 12 Year Old Tawny Port","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGalway Pipe Grand 12 Year Old Tawny Port\u003c\/strong\u003e is a richly matured Australian tawny packed with dark dried fruit, raisins, fig, fruitcake and toasted nuts, layered with spicy oak and a gently savoury rancio character. Its generous sweetness is kept fresh by well-judged acidity, leading to a long, satisfying finish rather than a sticky one. Named for former South Australian governor and fortified wine enthusiast Sir Henry Galway, this is a dependable after-dinner pour with plenty of history behind it. Serve alongside blue cheese, dark chocolate or Christmas cake, or simply settle in with a small glass and nowhere urgent to be.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the winery says:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis non-vintage tawny is a blend of character-filled grape varieties matured in oak barrels for an average of 12 years. The winery describes flavours of dark dried fruit, raisins, dried pears and grilled nuts, supported by spicy, toasted oak. Sweetness and acidity are carefully balanced, while the extended barrel ageing provides its developed nutty character and depth. Galway Pipe remains a family-owned South Australian producer, with its winemaking and blending team based in Langhorne Creek.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the experts say:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBob Campbell MW, The Real Review, 93\/100 (NV)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003e“A blend of grape varieties with an average age of 12 years. Green-tinged tawny with appealing nutty, dried fruits, fig, date and Christmas cake characters. Delicious wine. A bargain at this price”\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"EuroVintage","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53182034149743,"sku":"100793","price":269.94,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0968\/2252\/6319\/files\/GalwayPipeGrand12YearOldTawnyPort.jpg?v=1783633681"}],"url":"https:\/\/stolencellar.co.nz\/collections\/fortified-wine.oembed","provider":"Stolen Cellar","version":"1.0","type":"link"}