W & J GRAHAM'S Vintage Port 1997 Bottle

Description

IN BRIEF
W & J Graham's Vintage Port 1997 is a distinguished offering from one of the most celebrated producers of Port wine, known for its exceptional quality and craftsmanship. This Vintage Port displays a deep ruby-red colour, indicative of its intensity and richness. The captivating nose reveals aromas of ripe blackberries and plums, complemented by notes of dark chocolate, coffee, and spice, with subtle floral undertones. On the palate, it delivers a full-bodied and opulent experience, where rich fruit flavours harmonise with velvety tannins, showcasing exceptional structure. The long finish leaves a lasting impression of rich fruit and toasty oak. Rated 93 points by The Wine Advocate, this Vintage Port is perfect for special occasions or pairing with rich desserts, and it also benefits from further aging.

ABOUT THIS PORT
W & J Graham's Vintage Port 1997 is a distinguished and celebrated offering from one of the most renowned producers of Port wine. Known for its quality and craftsmanship, Graham's has a long-standing reputation for producing exceptional Vintage Ports, and the 1997 vintage is no exception.

In the glass, this Vintage Port exhibits a deep, ruby-red colour that hints at its intensity and richness. The nose is immediately captivating, revealing an aromatic bouquet of ripe black fruits, including luscious blackberries and plums, along with enticing notes of dark chocolate, coffee, and hints of spice. Subtle floral undertones enhance the complexity, creating a rich and inviting profile.

On the palate, W & J Graham's Vintage Port 1997 delivers a full-bodied and opulent experience. The rich fruit flavours are beautifully balanced with velvety tannins, showcasing the wine's exceptional structure and depth. Layers of dark fruit, sweet spice, and a touch of oak combine harmoniously, accentuated by a characteristic Port warmth that envelops the senses.

The finish is long and elegantly positioned, leaving a lasting impression of rich fruit and toasty oak, framed by a gentle sweetness. This Vintage Port possesses the character and finesse that lovers of Port have come to appreciate, reflecting both the quality of the vintage and the skillful winemaking at Graham's.

Ideal for celebrating special occasions or to enjoy with rich desserts such as chocolate tarts, blue cheeses, or simply on its own, W & J Graham's Vintage Port 1997 can also benefit from further aging, allowing its complexity to develop even more over the years. This exceptional Port is a true testament to the craftsmanship of Graham's and a must-have for collectors and enthusiasts alike, promising an unforgettable tasting experience with each sip.

THE WINE ADVOCATE 93 points
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Blackberries, licorice, and melted asphalt stand out in this full-bodied, beautifully made vintage port's moderately intense bouquet. It is not one of the great Graham's ports, and is less sweet than normal, but it is full-bodied, rich, concentrated, and impressive. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2025.

-----

ABOUT W & J GRAHAM
Graham's Port is a prestigious wine producer known for crafting high-quality Port wine, located in the Douro Valley of Portugal. Established in 1820 by brothers William and James Graham, the company has built a reputation for excellence and has become one of the leading names in the Port industry. With a history spanning over two centuries, Graham's combines traditional winemaking techniques with innovative practices to produce exceptional fortified wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Douro region.

The estate's vineyards are situated along the rugged hills of the Douro Valley, where the hot, dry climate and unique schist soil contribute to the production of rich, concentrated grapes. Graham's is particularly known for its mastery of both vintage and tawny Ports, showcasing a range of styles that highlight the elegance and complexity of the grape varieties used, such as Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Tinta Roriz.

One of Graham's hallmark products is its Vintage Port, which is made only during the best harvest years and is typically bottled after two years of aging. This Port is highly sought after for its depth of flavour, structure, and aging potential, often improving over decades. In addition to its Vintage offerings, Graham's also produces excellent Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) and tawny Ports, which are celebrated for their unique characteristics and exceptional quality.

The Graham's Lodge, a historic and picturesque estate in Vila Nova de Gaia, serves as the visitor centre for the brand and offers guided tours that allow guests to explore the winemaking process and sample the various Ports produced by the winery.

With its commitment to quality, heritage, and a passion for the art of winemaking, Graham's Port remains a benchmark for Port production and an enduring symbol of the rich tradition of Portuguese fortified wines, enjoyed by connoisseurs and newcomers alike.