1997 Vintage Port

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An uneven growing season that has paradoxically produced some concentrated Vintage Ports that possess outstanding cellaring potential. Spring was abnormally early and warm, resulting in flowering occurring one month earlier than normal. The weather then turned and June, July, and the first half of August witnessed a combination of humid, overcast and rainy days with intermittent sunny days. However, late August and September saw hot and dry weather, enabling the harvest to begin on 15th September.

Yields were down by as much as 40% on the 1996s but the quality is very high. The vintage was almost universally declared and some well-structured and wonderfully harmonious Vintage Ports have been produced. In character they are similar to the 1983s and should age very well. However, in the long run, the more opulent and concentrated 1994s will probably overshadow them.

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Showing 1-7 out of 7 items

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Wines sold "In Bond" (including BBX) or “En Primeur” are not available for immediate delivery and storage charges may apply.

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, Ready, but will improve

1997 Smith Woodhouse

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1997 Smith Woodhouse
Smith Woodhouse, Ready, but will improve,
Low-yielding old vines have produced a full-bodied, finely structured wine. With scents of eucalyptus and mint overlaying the fruit, the 1997 is more powerful and assertive than the 1994 and would repay a longer cellaring. With oak notes and fruit harmoniously integrated, this has everything one could ask for from a Vintage Port of the highest quality.
(Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer)

Top class. Showing well at the MW tasting and then very high marks at Fells' tasting. Interesting nose, touch of tar and liquorice, whiff of honeycomb; lean yet fleshy, very good flavour and finish.
(Michael Broadbent MW - Vintage Wine)
Port Wine > Vintage Port

Bottle

£46.00

New To BBX

Bottle 12 x 75cl 1cs

£600.00
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, Ready, but will improve

1997 Quarles Harris

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1997 Quarles Harris
Quarles Harris, Ready, but will improve,
Quarles Harris has produced a solid and well-made wine, with lively aromas of blackberries and cream and an aproachable, soft palate with agreeably chewy tannins. Although not as overwhelmingly sweet or rich as some, this wine is rounded and charming and will be excellent for early drinking. Drink now to 2018.
Port Wine > Vintage Port

Bottle

£50.00

Case price (12)
£531.24 Saving £68.76
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, For laying down

1997 Niepoort

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1997 Niepoort
Niepoort, For laying down,
Dirk Niepoort's 1997 is a triumph. Vinified traditionally at their showpiece estate, Quinta do Passadouro, and including unusual varieties such as Tinta Amarela, the wine is intense and beautifully concentrated. Copious levels of sweet black fruits on the nose lead to a fruit-basket of flavours on the palate, supported by silky-soft tannins and an opulently sweet finish.
Port Wine > Vintage Port

Bottle

£55.00

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, For laying down

1997 Quinta do Vesuvio

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1997 Quinta do Vesuvio
Quinta do Vesuvio, For laying down,
Port Wine > Single Quinta Vintage
1 Review

Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs

£298.00
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, For laying down

1997 Fonseca

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1997 Fonseca
Fonseca, For laying down,
Fonseca is, in fact, a partner to its rival, Taylor's though the two brands have kept their separate identities. Long-lived, the vintage wines are renowned for their quality and intensity of fruit, sheer opulence, structure and balance to last for decades. Fonseca is without doubt a top name and one that everyone should aspire to try.
It is not without reason that Fonseca is described as the Margaux of the Douro; its wines have a femininity and grace that never flatter to deceive.
The 1997 is a perfect example; combining fresh aromatics and layers of berry fruit flavours with a firm but unobtrusive tannic structure. Enormously concentrated and perfectly balanced, this wine is archetypical Fonseca: proof, if proof were needed, that David Guimaraens has inherited all of his father's legendary winemaking skills. Drink now to 2050.
Port Wine > Vintage Port
2 Reviews

Bottle 12 x 75cl 1cs

£600.00
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, For laying down

1997 Taylor's, Port, Portugal

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1997 Taylor's, Port, Portugal
Taylor Fladgate, For laying down,
Taylors have triumphed with their 1997. Even by their standards, this is an exceptional effort. The nose is extraordinarily elegant; a taut tapestry of the sweet and the savoury. Finesse on the palate ensures a completely harmonious integration of sweetness, alcohol and fruit with tight-knit tannins and a real intensity on the finish that emphasises the quality of this Port with measured authority. For many this is the wine of the vintage.
Port Wine > Vintage Port

Magnum 3 x 150cl 1cs

£580.00
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, For laying down

1997 Warre

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1997 Warre
Warre, For laying down,
The Institute of Masters of Wine organised a comprehensive tasting of 1997 ports to be tasted in alphabetical order. No. 34 was Warre and what a wonderful way to finish. Powerful and harmonious with a beautifully integrated tannins, its is colour holding very well, with no spirity notes or signs of premature ageing that have been noted with some of the 1997s. Indeed the fact that it was placed last is indicative not of the fact that W is close to the end of the alphabet, I suspect, but rather because the Warre 97, of all the great wines produced in that year, is currently showing the best.
(Simon Field MW - BBR Buyer)
Port Wine > Vintage Port

Bottle 12 x 75cl 1cs

£750.00
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Showing 1-7 out of 7 items