Penfolds, Father Grand Tawny, South Australia, Australia

We're not in the Douro here, but in South Australia. Penfolds has been producing fortified wines since 1844, and this bottling is a tribute to its 170 years of winemaking excellence. It's a stunning fortified wine made from Grenache, Shiraz, Mataro and Cabernet Sauvignon. The wines are aged separately in small oak casks before being blended, achieving a minimum average blended age of 10 years, but with some components ageing for far longer. It's complex and delicious, with a depth of raisined fruit, dried orange, chocolate, and a nuttiness from the oak ageing. A real Christmas treat, and one to enjoy with a festive cheese board.

Expressive, with a caramelised, nutty edge and aniseed hints; rum-soaked raisins, plum pudding and spicy Christmas cake on both nose and palate. Rancio marzipan and praline undertones bring savoury depth to the sweet, plush dried fruits. Lingering yet controlled. A backbone of grapefruit acidity makes for a smooth, impressively even delivery. Typically a 15-vintage blend, with an average age of at least 10 years. Bottled 21/09/2021.