About Fortified Wines from USA

About Fortified Wines from USA
The United States is one of the most important players in the wine industry. On sheer numbers alone, the US is the fourth largest country in terms of total production; but it is the outstanding quality of wines from the US that is an additional part of its worldwide prestige. While the first wines produced in the colonies date back to the late 18th century, it has only been since the mid-1960s that the US has entered the premium wine market on a large scale. California, especially Napa Valley and Sonoma County were the areas that drove the new quality movement. Other areas in California also were home to great wines; soon Washington and Oregon were home to first-class wines as well. New York State, especially the Finger Lakes are was rediscovered for its Rieslings and soon wineries started opening in states such as Texas, Virginia and North Carolina. Today, 90% of domestic premium wine is produced in California and there are several wine types that share the spotlight; these include Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, Pinot Noir from Sonoma's Russian River Valley as well as Santa Barbara County and Chardonnay from several regions, such as Monterey and Sonoma County. Bordeaux-styles reds from Washington State have received great acclaim as have Oregon Pinot Noirs. Today, the United States is in an enviable position of being one of the largest producers of wine as well as one of the most celebrated.

Top Picks for USA

Fortified Wines

Weis Vineyards NV One Eighty Three Dessert Wine Finger Lakes
97 points
$39
A remarkably rich, delicious, and warming American fortified wine with Old World nuances that add complexity and delight; definitely a benchmark for domestic port style wine that tastes like a true vintage port.
Awards: 2023 New York Wine Classic - Best Fortified (Port-Like)
Johnson Estate NV Old Oak Ruby Estate Grown Bourbon Barrel Aged Dessert Wine Lake Erie
92 points
$18
Best Buy
A spicy and distinctive domestic port with lovely layers of bourbon barrel notes.
92 points $18 Best Buy
Two K Farms NV Barrel-Aged Pommeau Leelanau Peninsula
92 points
$35
Delicious fresh apple cider with more apple juice, a little baking spice, and just a splash of Bourbon.
45 North Vineyard & Winery NV Special Reserve Northport #21 Leelanau Peninsula
92 points
$65
A silky and satisfying fortified wine with loads of delicious berry and Bourbon-barrel accented flavors.
Stone Hill Winery NV Cream Sherry Missouri
92 points
$32
This wine brings to mind salted caramels on a camping trip through a cedar grove; a lovely Cream Sherry.
Awards: 2023 Americana Cup - Best Fortified Wine
Pedroncelli 2012 Four Grapes Vintage Port Dry Creek Valley
91 points
$45
Dried fruits highlight this Port style wine that lingers with acidity and candied nuts; this would be an asset to any cheese board.
White Pine 2021 Mirage Reserve Sweet Red Dessert Wine Lake Michigan Shore
90 points
$19
A high quality domestic Port that will make any end of the evening a delight.
Awards: '2024 Michigan Governor's Cup - Best Fortified Wine'
St. Julian NV Cathermans Port Chambourcin
87 points
$13.99
Best Buy
This reads very clearly as both Chambourcin and Port; tip of the cap.
87 points $13.99 Best Buy
White Pine 2021 Reserve Mirage Dessert Wine Lake Michigan Shore
87 points
$19
An intriguing fortified wine with interesting wood character; try in cocktails.
Wild Sun Winery NV 4th Release Icarus Tawny Dessert Wine Missouri
86 points
$75
An interesting flavor that is sweet, rich, and nutty.