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.
G97. Dark garnet with some bricking. Fruity and pleasant nose. Youthful in the mouth with lots of ripe purple fruit and some chocolate. Good, firm tannins are somewhat hidden behind all the fruit. 92 points.