Axel P wrote:I did several small comparisons lately with 94 and 97 I always found the 97s to have more grip and be the more interesting Port.
You were missed Axel, and based on your comments I would have loved to hear your impressions from this tasting, as I am not sure I found grip on any of the wines (the closest was the Graham, but it was disjointed and appeared most on the back-end, where as I personally find grip to be a defining characteristic of the mid-palate).
The most pleasant drinkers from this tasting (Warre, Dow, Gould, and Ramos, in my, and I think in the Group's judgment) were generally on the more perfumed / fruit forward end of the spectrum, as opposed to the tannic/backbone-y side. The Graham and Taylor I think were just too young for the occasion, and my judgment is generally withheld (except to say neither showed tell tale signs of Outstanding character beneath). I have generally liked the 94s (the Graham especially, but many others as well), so I am a bit surprised that you've tended to prefer 97. I actually thought the 97s were drinking younger than I had anticipated, and I believe they will mature first.
If you're not tired of the theme, I'd be happy for a small 'vintage pairs' blind tasting when next we meet.
Hope all is well
chris