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Neil C. arranged, at the Boot and Flogger, a horizontal of 1997s, the first since a 1997 Maturity Evaluation on 16th June 2014.

Links:

• Review of the evening as a whole;
• 1997 Burmester;
• 1997 Quinta do Noval;
• 1997 Quinta do Noval Silval;
• 1997 Taylor;
• 1997 Fonseca;
• 1997 Croft Quinta da Roêda;
• 1997 Dow;
• 1997 Graham;
• 1997 Gould Campbell;
• 1997 Warre;
• 1997 Vesuvio;
• 1997 Smith Woodhouse;
• 1997 Quarles Harris;
• 1997 Martinez;
• 1997 Sandeman Vau;
• 1997 Ramos Pinto;
• 1997 Val da Figueira;
• 1997 Osborne;
• Planning and arrangements;
• Food order;
• Placemats (and in list of placemats).

Pre-tasting note:
The first bottle from an OWC of 12 purchased en primeur from La Vigneronne on release in 1999 and kept in my cellar since.
Cork came out fairly easily and in perfect condition.
Double decanted approx. 2000 on evening before the tasting.
Lots of sediment.
Condition OK.

Deep red colour just hinting at red-brown brick tones, opaque centre with a wide rim. Fragrant nose showing red cherry fruit and some lovely floral tones combining to give a very inviting aroma. Balanced and poised on entry, full of black cherry showing in a youthful and primary way. The nicely structured palate gives way to a fragrant fruit aftertaste and finish of phenomenal length. Very lovely, just missed out on a place in my Wine of the Night voting. Double-decanted for 22 hours. 93/100.

A closed, spirity nose. Similarly closed on the palate but with a minerality. Eucalyptus. Not aggressively tannic but seems like it's holding back.

55% opacity, dark red. Nose has violets. Rich, spice, tannin still lingering, redcurrants.

Fine dark colour. Watery rim. Pine needles on the nose. Powerful palate. Violets, and a attractive green note. Quite warm later but the fruit pulls it back into line. Good.