Elegant, Complex and Built to Last At 8 years of age, the 2018 Vintage Fortified is already showing the kind of balance and complexity that speaks to decades of rewarding development ahead. Crafted from estate-grown Tinta Roriz, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Cao, Grand Noir, Durif and Souzao, this is a wine that embodies the Stanton and Killeen philosophy in every sense. As Wendy Killeen puts it, the pinnacle of winemaking at S&K is creating a superb fortified to consume now or age for 20 years. This wine does exactly that. The colour is a deep, vivid red and purple that will shift and deepen beautifully with time in the bottle. The bouquet is fragrant and inviting, with roses, raspberry, red licorice and fudge lifting from the glass with real charm and composure. On the palate, the wine opens up with a multitude of flavours, raspberry, dark chocolate, cherry, mint and red fruit coulis weaving together across a palate of exceptional length and elegance. The balance is perfect, with fruit and fine, light tannins extending across a finish that is both extremely long and wonderfully composed. Complexity and flavour will continue to shift and deepen with every year in the bottle. Fermentation was halted at approximately 7% alcohol with the addition of grape spirit to retain natural sugars and bright fruit flavour, before a short period in oak to allow the varieties to meld and settle. The wine was then bottled early to preserve freshness, designed to age and develop in the bottle much like a fine red table wine. A superb food wine at any age, pairing beautifully with cheese, grilled meats, hearty vegetables and rich slow-cooked dishes. It can even be served lightly chilled in the warmer months. Cellar for 20 to 30 years, or enjoy it right now. Alc/Vol 18%. Buying it as a gift? Be sure to purchase one of our wooden VF gift boxes. Allocation for 2026-2027. Allocation resets August 1st, 2027 375ml 750ml 1.5 Magnum 0 259 0