NZ & International Fortified Wines

October 25, 2025 (Cuisine magazine )

MARY-THÉRÈSE BLAIR puts forward a strong case for proclaiming your passion for fortified wines.

IT’S JUST AN OPINION, but our judging team are revered for such things so I think it bears stating that fortifieds have long been one of the most overlooked and underappreciated of the classic wine styles. To that end, we are left with a shrinking class but one that we feel still should be represented in the Cuisine wine pages. This style of wine has been around since the 17th century and is still adored by wine-lovers today– just not enough of us. We need to recruit more to the divine, sensual experience that is a great fortified wine. Given that there are more wine- lovers out there than wine judges, we are putting a challenge out to spread the word of fortified wines. We’ve done the hard work in separating the great from the good so all you have to do is support your local specialist wine retailer this Christmas. Start your own festive tradition of spreading the good word… of fortified wines.

top NZ & International Fortified Wines

Grant Burge Ten Year Old Tawny (Australia)

I HAVE HAD THE pleasure of meeting Grant Burge’s affable chief winemaker Craig Stansborough on more than one occasion. On our last encounter he said, “I would rather be judged by the most affordable wine I make, than the most expensive.” Given that Grant Burge wines start around $20 and go up above $200, this speaks to Craig’s passion for making wine everyone can enjoy, not just those who can afford the “good stuff”.

This port – or port-style fortified wine for purists – represents great value for money and is a further example of how us upstarts in the wine new world are going toe-to- toe with European counterparts when it comes to quality. Attractive in the glass with more brown than red reaching out to the tawny rim. The nose is resplendent with dried fruit, mixed spice, caramelised nuts and cocoa aromas. The palate has stunning oxidative complexity and is well weighted with a sweetness that is beautifully balanced against the acid that gives so much freshness. At 10 years old, it’s long and luscious and perfect drinking.

| $50
→ more 1 View All Results in the Grant Burge Ten Year Old Tawny (Australia) Tasting

Star ratings for this tasting

» How ratings work

  • Outstanding 5
  • Excellent 3
  • Very Good 7
  • Good 4
  • No Award 0
  • Total Entries 19

Search wine

Select at least one filter to refine your wine search

Wine tasting results