Fortified Fancies - £93

1. Cálem Late Bottled Vintage Port 2019

Late Bottle Vintage Port from the Douro in Portugal. LBV stands for Late Bottled Vintage, and it’s basically the sweet spot between youthful swagger and vintage polish. Made from a single stellar harvest - in this case, 2019 - Cálem’s LBV is aged in barrels for 4 to 6 years before release. That extra time lets it mellow out a bit, pick up some serious complexity, and develop the richness of a classic Vintage Port, minus the decades of waiting (or the price tag). It’s bottled almost ready to rock, with plenty of structure, bold fruit, and depth - often unfiltered, sometimes needing a cheeky decant, but always full of character. Dark, brooding, and full of soul, this 2019 LBV is a deep dive into ripe blackberries, cocoa, and a swirl of liquorice and spice. The palate is rich and full-bodied, with intense dark chocolate vibes, hints of white pepper and jammy fruit, wrapped up in velvety tannins and a long, smouldering finish. Big energy, balanced beautifully.

2. Argüeso '1822' Amontillado NV

Amontillado Sherry from Jerez in Spain. Argüeso is doing the most - now under the wing of Sanlúcar-born winemaker and all-around Sherry whisperer Francisco Yuste. The winery is basically a time capsule: a sprawling labyrinth of 19th-century cellars, ancient convent halls, and salty ocean air swirling through the flor-covered barrels. And the wines? Absolute bangers. Their Manzanilla San León has literally been crowned Best in the World (International Wine Challenge, no big deal), and their Amontillado 1822 is the fortified equivalent of a mic drop. Old-school soul, new-school swagger - Argüeso is proof that some legends only get better with time. This Amontillado is a masterclass in balance and complexity. It opens with rich, nutty aromas - hazelnuts, toasted almonds - layered over dried orange peel, fresh-brewed tea, and a whisper of exotic spice. On the palate, it’s bone-dry and elegant, with a tangy, saline edge that keeps things vibrant. Long, savoury, and utterly compelling, this is Sherry for sipping slow and appreciating every nuanced second.

3. Cálem 10 Year Tawny Port NV

Late Bottle Vintage Port from the Douro in Portugal. Cálem doesn’t just make Tawny Ports - they live them. Specialising in long-aged styles, they bottle only to order, and let the angels take their share while the rest of us wait patiently. The result? A 10-Year-Old Tawny that’s won trophies, dazzled judges, and melted hearts worldwide. It’s aged elegance without the ego - plush, complex, and endlessly drinkable. And whether you're sipping it fireside, seaside, or just couchside - you’re taking part in a century-spanning story of craftsmanship, courage, and raisin-kissed rebellion. This is the velvet smoking jacket of Ports - smooth, rich, and oh-so-classy. Expect a swirl of dried red fruits, golden raisins, and toasted nuts, all layered with chocolate shavings, warm wood spice, and a hint of caramelised fig. The texture? Silky and luxurious, with a long, toasty finish that feels like a warm hug from an old friend. It's balanced, beautiful, and super versatile.