Most Port lovers know that true Port only comes from one place: Portugal’s Douro Valley. Protected by international law, “Port” is a geographic designation, much like Champagne—if it’s not made in the Douro using traditional methods, it can’t legally be called Port.
But that hasn’t stopped winemakers around the world from crafting wines inspired by the style. From California to South Africa and Australia, producers have long made fortified wines that echo the sweetness, richness, and age-worthiness of Port. These are typically labeled as Port-style wines or dessert wines, and while they aren’t Portuguese, we have all ended up with some of these “ports” in our cellars!
For the March Sammamish Port Club meeting, we decided that we would break out some of these “ports” and taste them blind to see how they hold up against the genuine article.
- NV JM Cellars Ruby Port - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
Deep ruby in color with a violet rim. The nose offers ripe blackberry, cherry compote, and baking spice, with underlying notes of cocoa and vanilla from extended barrel aging. On the palate, it’s plush and fruit-forward, with flavors of black plum, raspberry liqueur, and dark chocolate. The structure is soft, with mellow tannins and moderate sweetness, finishing with a touch of toasted oak and peppery warmth. (89 pts.) - 1985 Rutherford Hill Zinfandel Vintage Port - USA, California, Napa Valley
Dark mahogany with a faded tawny edge. The nose shows mature aromas of dried fig, cedar, and molasses, accented by leather and a hint of balsamic. On the palate, it’s fully resolved, with smooth layers of prune, toasted walnut, and dark spice. Acidity is mellow, and the tannins have nearly faded, leaving a silky texture and an elegant, earthy finish marked by cocoa and aged wood. (90 pts.) - 1995 Carmenet Zinfandel Copa de Morado Port - USA, California, Sonoma County
Deep garnet with a slightly hazy core. The nose reveals stewed blackberries, raisin, and vanilla bean, with hints of sweet pipe tobacco and baking spice. The palate is rich and dense, offering flavors of black cherry jam, cinnamon, and molasses, with a touch of heat showing through. Tannins are soft, and the sweetness is pronounced, finishing with notes of dried plum and spiced cocoa. (88 pts.) - NV Heitz Cellar Port Ink Grade Vineyard - USA, California, Napa Valley
Opaque ruby with a vibrant purple rim. The nose is bold and fruit-driven, featuring blackcurrant, licorice, and blackberry preserves, layered with hints of clove and vanilla. On the palate, it’s full-bodied and assertive, with dense dark fruit, bittersweet chocolate, and a touch of espresso. Firm tannins and moderate sweetness give structure, while the finish lingers with notes of black pepper and dried cherry. (90 pts.) - 2014 Patterson Cellars Port Red Heaven Vineyard - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain
Inky purple at the core, fading to ruby at the rim. The nose is vibrant and youthful, showing black cherry, fig, and dark chocolate, with accents of vanilla and sweet spice. The palate is plush and concentrated, delivering layers of blackberry compote, plum, and mocha. Tannins are polished and integrated, with a balanced sweetness that carries into a smooth, fruit-laden finish touched by toasted oak. (91 pts.) - 2016 Barnard Griffin Rapport Vinagium Vineyard - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain
Deep ruby with a garnet rim. The nose is inviting, showing ripe blackberry, black cherry, and dark plum, complemented by cocoa nib and a hint of cedar. On the palate, it’s full-bodied and expansive, with layered flavors of cherry compote, dark chocolate, and subtle clove. The tannins are refined and supportive, balanced by lively acidity and just enough sweetness to carry the fruit. The finish is long and warming, with lingering notes of mocha and sweet spice. (85 pts.) - 2021 Lupine Vineyards Malbec - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Lake Chelan
Deep violet with a bright magenta rim. The nose is aromatic and lifted, offering black raspberry, violet pastille, and blueberry reduction, framed by hints of clove and anise. On the palate, it’s bold and youthful, with dense fruit flavors of blackberry, dark plum, and sweet spice. The tannins are firm but ripe, balanced by fresh acidity and a moderate sweetness. The finish is long and vibrant, with lingering notes of cocoa nib and wild berry jam. (90 pts.) - NV Fontanella Family Wines Portmanteau - USA, California, Napa Valley, Mt. Veeder
Deep garnet with a purple halo. The nose is expressive, offering ripe black cherry, plum reduction, and cassis, layered with cedar, dark chocolate, and a hint of cracked black pepper. On the palate, it’s full-bodied and velvety, showcasing flavors of blackcurrant compote, fig butter, and toasted oak. The tannins are firm yet ripe, harmonizing with balanced acidity and lingering sweetness. The finish is long and warm, with notes of espresso, baking spice, and dark cocoa. (86 pts.) - NV Boplaas Cape Tawny Port - South Africa, Klein Karoo, Calitzdorp
Rich amber with warm copper tones. The nose exudes caramelized pecan, dried apricot, and toffee, accented by gentle orange marmalade and cinnamon. On the palate, it’s beautifully rounded and elegant, offering flavors of honeyed fig, butterscotch, and toasted almond, with balanced acidity that lifts the sweetness. The finish is long and nutty, with lingering notes of baked apple and a soft spice warmth. (85 pts.)