2005 Fortification Cabernet Sauvignon
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Tasting notes
The 2005 Fortification is another incredible fortified wine from Woodbridge that tops out the scale. Revealing a semi-opaque purple hue, it has an intense yet nuanced and incredibly complex bouquet of mulled red and black fruits, sandalwood, dried figs, candied almonds, smoked cigar, and even hints of cured meats. One of those wines that brings remarkable richness and depth yet stays graceful and weightless on the palate, this beauty has a silky, elegant mouthfeel, flawless balance, and a great, great finish. It's up there with the finest fortified wines I've ever tasted and should evolve for another 30-40 years. Bravo.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
Medium tawny colored, the 2005 Fortification hits the ground running with a profoundly scented nose of blueberry compote, plum preserves, baked blackcurrants and black licorice with touches of coffee beans, dark chocolate, mincemeat pie and scorched earth plus a touch of Chinese five spice. Full-bodied, super concentrated and wonderfully opulent in the mouth, the unctuous black fruit layers are sparked by a myriad of exotic spices with fantastic harmony and a finish that just goes on and on.
Deep medium ruby; darker than the 2004. Much more primary aromas of cassis, black cherry, licorice and mint; less nutty and high-toned than the 2004. Powerful, dense, fresh and elegant, with a deep sweetness, firm underlying structure and a seamless texture. Finishes with explosive, youthful dark fruit flavors, a wave of mellow tannins and terrific energy. After 48 hours in the recorked bottle this retained its verve and showed a captivating chocolate mint flavor. About as close to a young vintage port as I've tasted from outside Portugal. Very impressive.