(97+ points) The 2010 Fortification has a pale to medium garnet color with a touch of tawny at the rim. It gives up provocative notes of crushed rocks, tilled soil, mossy bark and camphor over a liquored cherries, violets, cinnamon stick and cloves-scented core plus hints of prunes, baker's chocolate and praline. Full-bodied, opulent and jam-packed with black fruits, baking spices and earthy layers, it has a tantalizingly plush texture and just enough freshness to invigorate on the long, long finish.- LPB

(95+ points) The 2010 Fortification shows the cooler nature of the vintage, with a slightly dark bouquet of black fruits, baking spices, orange liqueur, incense, and minty herbs (among other nuances). Gorgeous on the palate as well, this full-bodied, concentrated dessert wine stays focused and tight on the palate, with a dense mid-palate, plenty of structure, and a great finish. It offers loads of pleasure today, yet this is one that will benefit from another 4-5 years, if not a decade, of cellaring. It will still be drinking well in 50 years.