96 points Robert Parker: "Saturated black/purple-colored, with stunning aromatics of blueberries, blackberries, licorice, and iron, this spectacular vintage port is one of the stars of the vintage. Extremely full-bodied, with silky tannin, spectacular concentration and purity, multiple flavor levels, and an evolved, forward personality, this is an exquisite yet precocious 1997 vintage port. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2030. (Jan 2000)"
96 points Wine Enthusiast: "[$180 list] This is rather flashy for Taylor, with plenty of upfront appeal to its floral, spicy aromas and gobs of fruit. It’s very lush and soft on the palate, almost overloaded with blackberries and plums, then firms up and begins to show that Taylor reserve on the dusty finish. Hold. (Feb 2007)"
95 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Saturated deep ruby. Great minerally aromas of black plum, black cherry, roasted meat and deep spices. Very sweet and very dense, with youthfully backward black fruit, mineral and bitter chocolate flavors. Finishes with wonderfully ripe, sweet tannins and superb persistence and grip. Has the verve most '97s lack. This may ultimately challenge the great '94. (May/Jun 2000)"
94+ points Roy Hersh (For The Love of Port): "Opaque garnet color. Juicy, ripe, sweet and quite approachable initially that is, until the monstrous tannins attack and take over the palate. The 1997 is a “take no prisoners” Port which shows the depth of flavors and beautiful underlying structure of this wine. However, it is silky smooth early on, with a finish of cassis and black currant that’s remarkable. Drink now through 2045. (Jun 2008)"
94 points Wine Spectator: "Very ripe on the nose, with raisin and dried flowers. Full-bodied, medium-sweet and chewy, Racy and rich. Still needs time, but you can drink and enjoy if you decant a few hours before. '77/'85/'97 blind Port retrospective. Best after 2011. (2008)"
96 points Wine Enthusiast: "[$180 list] This is rather flashy for Taylor, with plenty of upfront appeal to its floral, spicy aromas and gobs of fruit. It’s very lush and soft on the palate, almost overloaded with blackberries and plums, then firms up and begins to show that Taylor reserve on the dusty finish. Hold. (Feb 2007)"
95 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Saturated deep ruby. Great minerally aromas of black plum, black cherry, roasted meat and deep spices. Very sweet and very dense, with youthfully backward black fruit, mineral and bitter chocolate flavors. Finishes with wonderfully ripe, sweet tannins and superb persistence and grip. Has the verve most '97s lack. This may ultimately challenge the great '94. (May/Jun 2000)"
94+ points Roy Hersh (For The Love of Port): "Opaque garnet color. Juicy, ripe, sweet and quite approachable initially that is, until the monstrous tannins attack and take over the palate. The 1997 is a “take no prisoners” Port which shows the depth of flavors and beautiful underlying structure of this wine. However, it is silky smooth early on, with a finish of cassis and black currant that’s remarkable. Drink now through 2045. (Jun 2008)"
94 points Wine Spectator: "Very ripe on the nose, with raisin and dried flowers. Full-bodied, medium-sweet and chewy, Racy and rich. Still needs time, but you can drink and enjoy if you decant a few hours before. '77/'85/'97 blind Port retrospective. Best after 2011. (2008)"
| Product SKU | 9161 |
| Producer | Taylor Fladgate |
| Country | Portugal |
| Region | Porto DOC |
| Varietal | Other Red Blends |
| Vintage | 1997 |
| Size | 750ml |
| Color | Red |
| ABV | 20.5% |
| Ships To |
