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At the conclusion of a lovely meal, one of our favorite little indulgences is to enjoy an after dinner drink, especially a Port or a dessert wine. It simply provides an ideal punctuation to the evening. He are six lovely options from California our panel tasted recently.
Hunt Cellars 2001 “Good Vibation” 7 year Tawy Cabernet Sauvignon Port
Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Paso Robles
Tasting Notes:
Aromas of black cherries, currants, and plums are accented by notes of milk chocolate, orange zest, and cedar on the nose. A sip delivers flavors of cherry, cassis, and ripe plum that flow into suggestions of dark chocolate, orange spice, and nutty hints. A smooth, rich port with very interesting layers, this is a bottle to savory.
Rating: 95
Robledo 2009 “Dos Hermanas” Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc
Grape(s): 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Lake County
Price: 15-20
Tasting Notes:
A bouquet of apricot, sweet pineapple, and honey greets the senses. The palate reveals flavors of tropical fruit, apricot, and peach accented by hints of almonds and vanilla. A lush, supple dessert wine with a friendly acidity, it will pair well with pound cake.
Rating: 88
Sculpterra Winery J. Jagger Primitivo Dessert Wine
Grape(s): 100% Primitivo
Region: Paso Robles
Price: 30-35
Tasting Notes:
Aromatics of blackberries and currants mingle with chocolatey and nutty suggestions on the nose. A sip deliverers flavors of fig and currants accented by nuances of chocolate and almond paste. Dark and rich, fans of ruby ports will enjoy this bottle.
Rating: 90
Thorn Hill 2010 “Ice” Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc & Semillion
Grape(s): Sauvignon Blanc & Semillion
Region: Napa Valley
Price: 30-35
Tasting Notes:
Aromas of apricot and peach mingle with notes of honey and caramel on the nose. A sip deliveries flavors of apricot, pear, and golden raisin that open up into hints of honey and pie crust. A smooth, lush dessert wine with a rich mouthfeel, marzipan or almond torte will both make fine pairings.
Rating: 88
Thorn Hill 2008 “Fire” Petite Sirah
Grape(s): 100% Petite Sirah
Region: Napa Valley
Price: 30-35
Tasting Notes:
A bouquet of blueberries, blackberries, gingerbread, and chocolate rises up from a glass. Blackberry, cherry, and boysenberry flavors open up into hints of dark chocolate, sweet spice, and graham cracker on the palate. A supple, layered dessert wine with a balanced sweetness, enjoy a bottle with your favorite chocolate desserts.
Rating: 91
Winery SF “Sweet Seduction” Late Harvest Viognier
Grape(s): 100% Viognier
Region: California
Price: 20-25
Tasting Notes:
Aromatics of peach, apricot, and pineapple rind meld with hints of honey on the nose. The palate delivers flavors of dried apricot, peach, and passion fruit that open up into suggestions of honeysuckle and angel food cake. A layered, lush dessert wine with a round mouthfeel, it will pair nicely with shortbread or macaroons.
Rating: 91
Photo credit: Beppie K / Foter.com / CC BY-NC-SA
