Pfeiffer World Class Fortified Masterclass

Attractive flamboyant muscat bouquet, with fruitcake and a hint of toffee on offer; the palate is luscious for this level and shows a fine balance between sweetness and freshness on the finish. JAMES HALLIDAY, Halliday Wine Companion

Medium amber; burnt honey, figs, glacé cherries and walnuts suggest there's some lovely aged material in the mix. It is viscous, unfurling on the palate to reveal flavours of marmalade, treacle and dried apricots. A whip of acidity enlivens the sweetness: it's a pitch-perfect delivery. This is classified as Classic, and it's a great one!  GABRIELLE POY, The Real Review

A toffee-amber hue with a shimmer of red; very fresh and plenty of complexity for a Classic. Toffee, malt flavours, sun-bleached hay and sultana cake, lemony freshness too. The spirit is warming, balanced and there's a silkiness across the palate. In tiptop shape and a standstill bargain. (95) JANE FAULKNER, Halliday Wine Companion

Medium mahogany hue. Raisins, cinnamon and burnt toffee aromas. Deep and intense dark gold fruits with Christmas cake spices and a rich dark toffee undertone. Flows very long with a weight and intensity that demands focus. STUART KNOX, The Real Review

Once, VP stood for vintage port. Today, post-AU/EU Wine Trade Agreement, the initials are relegated to history and this wine becomes a vintage fortified. Made only in the best years, the '18 vintage comprises 5 Portuguese grape varieties fermented and pressed just prior to fortification. An almost lost winemaking art in this country, kept alive at Pfeiffer, and what a joy to behold. Deep purple hue. The 5 Portuguese varieties bring lifted aromatics of rose, violet, black cherry, raspberry – so pretty – which become entwined on the palate in rich layers of spice, licorice and chocolate with a brandy twist. Intense but not heavy. Quite the opposite. It's way, way too early to even contemplate opening. Give it 10 years at least. (96) JENI PORT, Halliday Wine Companion

Medium purple, with lifted notes of violets, blueberry and licorice which are tempered by subtle ferrous accents, like iron filings. The wine is voluminous and sweet, ebbing and flowing across the palate. The sweetness signs off with a savoury and bitter bite, bringing balance and more interest to this dignified VP. It's still got a long life ahead, the freshness, intensity and structure will ensure this. (95) GABRIELLE POY, The Real Review

Bracingly fresh, not to mention complex and so, so welcoming. Settle back and take in an elixir rich in dried fruits, prune, orange peel, sweet molasses and walnut. The palate is smoothly honed with toasted nuts and woody spices leading the way across a glossy, textural winescape, expertly aged and fortified, finishing dry. 500ml. (96) JENI PORT, Halliday Wine Companion

Light mahogany gold colour. Raisins and dried sweet spices on the nose. Richly textured with sweet Christmas cake notes as it flows long and lingering. Has appeal in its simple nature and it has a lovely harmony. STUART KNOX, The Real Review