One of the best wine courses that is overlooked during this holiday period is dessert. This is the time when everyone is unwinding, relaxing, and reminiscing, or savoring the sweets before the cleaning duties begin. A great way to compliment the finale to a perfect meal is with a perfect beverage! Dessert wines tend to de higher in alcohol and sweetness so smaller portions are usually served to keep from massive headaches the next day and to assure all guest stay safe. Ports have gotten a bad wrap over the years often being associated with cheese balls, church wine, and things your grandmother has every night before bed, and I ma here to tell you that those ports are not what we are talking about today, that is like comparing cheese whiz to a fine cheddar, well there is no comparison. We will start with the more fruit forward style and than proceed to the nuttier more toffee flavored styles, Than we will look at a couple of Madeiras, which add a new dimension to entertaining, all of these are from Portugal.

Dow's Late Bottled Vintage Porto, 2004 $21
Terrific aromas of bright red fruit, especially raspberries and cranberries, which lead into a bright and flavorful treasure popping with notes of plum and dates with a touch of heat on the finish. Very juicy and fruity with subtle hints of date bread on the finish, very well made and a terrific buy for the price.

Graham's "Six Grapes" Reserve Porto, $22
This name is derived from the six grapes used to blend port: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Amarela, and Tinto Cao. This wine posses a deep and dark nose full of vanilla bean and dried fruit notes, that flow into the mouth elegantly. Once it hits the taste buds notes of anise seed, cocoa, blueberries and spice explode, delivering the complexity you find in a full bodied red with a touch of sweetness. This port has loads of character and body, a definite conversation starter for a dark chocolate dessert.

Dow's Tawny Porto 10 Year, $32
The tawny ports as name would suggest have a more brownish color to them and have a nuttiness character from the age and contact with air and oxidation. Nice aromas of caramel and burnt sugar fill the glass. Flavors of warm vanilla bean, toffee, raisins, and dried figs fill the mouth with a slight acidity on the finish to keep the flavors fresh throughout the tasting experience. A very nice tawny for the price.

Graham's Tawny Porto 20 Year $57
Now this nose will grab and hold you, aromas of figs and almonds, with a very subtle leathery creaminess. The flavors are just as complex, warm and inviting with deep layers of nuts, figs, moss, cream, and light whispers of oak. There is a note of sweetness but it is not overpowering but a compliment to the natural flavors in each sip. This would be heaven with fruit or nut desserts, or with soft cheese. This is a treasure that will make its mark on the meal, I promise.

Blandy's Alvada 5 Year Madeira $19
Aromas of molasses and candied pecans filled the glass, and lead into a light bodied rustic treat. Not many people think about Madeira but the flavors make for a perfect match with pecan pie and cream brulee. The sweet and rustic flavors in this wine would work well with either.

Blandy's 10 Year Rich Malmsey Madeira $40
Much deeper and darker nose, with layers of molasses and clove, rounded with a subtle roasted coffee note. The flavors were out of this world, layers of caramel, dark chocolate, black raspberries filled the mouth with notes of cassis and vanilla on the finish. Lots of structure and depth with layers of flavors mixing perfectly making this a terrific wine for anything from chocolate to nuts for dessert. A great alternative or accompaniment to coffee after dinner.