G97, opened previous day then decanted 08:00. Dark dark dark red, 90% opaque. Palate had mint and dark cherries, with heat. Not in a good balance — more cellar time needed.
1997 Grahams. The deepest coloured of the wines at this tasting; dark red with a black tone to the colour and a narrow rim. Rich in the nose with fresh fruit salad complexity and a faint hint of pineapple. Fresh and youthful. The palate is rounded while still youthful with black cherry and a little exotic spiciness. Beautiful fragrant fruit on the aftertaste, lovely cherry persistence on the finish - just lovely. This is by far the best 1997 I have drunk in a long time, better than the 1994 tasted alongside it! 94/100. Audouzed the evening before the tasting, double decanted at 08.00 and tasted at 20.00.
Top Ports in 2023: Taylor 1896 Colheita, b. 2021. A perfect Port.
2024: Niepoort 1900 Colheita, b.1971. A near perfect Port.