1997 Graham’s Single Harvest Tawny Vintage Port, Douro

Salted caramel, salted almonds, dried blood orange, saffron and dried flowers. Beautiful texture with full body and delicate sweetness. Deep and generous, with a long and firm but rich finish. Lots of butterscotch. Dense at the finish. Drink or hold.

97 points jamessuckling.com

Deep orange-brown center with intense coppery hues along the rims. Aromas of quince preserve (marmalade) with traces of vanilla and soft caramel and hints of honey and raisins. The wood aging is reflected in the delicate almond and marzipan notes. An appealing smoky element is just perceptible in the background. Bright red fruit flavors, rounded by cask-aging but still fresh and vital with an underlying citric acidity which gives the wine balance and poise. Satisfyingly long aftertaste with a subtle combination of walnuts, tea and tobacco.

The 1997 Graham’s Single Harvest Tawny Vintage Port is a remarkable expression of aged Tawny Port from the historic Douro Valley in Portugal. Crafted by Graham’s, a prestigious port house established in 1820, this wine embodies the art of patience and the mastery of wood-aged ports. It is part of Graham’s acclaimed Single Harvest Tawny series, featuring ports from exceptional vintages that have been carefully matured in seasoned oak casks for decades.

The 1997 vintage is a testament to the Douro Valley’s unique terroir and Graham’s winemaking expertise. The wine is made from traditional Portuguese grape varieties grown in the Douro’s schist soils, which provide concentration and complexity. After a meticulous fermentation process, the wine is fortified with grape spirit to preserve its natural sweetness. It is then aged for 25 years in oak casks, allowing it to develop its characteristic depth, elegance, and complexity.

On the nose, this Tawny Port offers a captivating bouquet of dried figs, roasted nuts, and caramel, layered with hints of orange zest, vanilla, and sweet spice. The palate is silky and luxurious, with flavors of toffee, dates, and hazelnuts balanced by a refreshing acidity. The finish is long and warming, leaving a lingering impression of dried fruits and subtle oak.

This Single Harvest Tawny is a perfect accompaniment to desserts like pecan pie, crème brûlée, or blue cheese. It can also be savored on its own as a contemplative after-dinner drink. Packaged in an elegant bottle, it makes a superb gift or addition to any fine wine collection.