This product is no longer available. Please choose another vintage above.
Graham's - Vintage Port 1997
Graham's
Graham's wines come primarily from its own Quinta dos Malvedos near Tua and Quinta das Lages in the Rio Torto. Two others, privately owned by a member of
the Symington family, Quinta da Vila Velha and Quinta de Vale de Malhadas, also supply Graham with finest quality grapes. All four Quintas are among the best in the upper Douro valley. Graham's also buys grapes from selected farmers in the finest districts. Some of these farmers have been selling their grapes to Graham's
for generations.
Tasting notes
A very intense colour with a deep purple rim, on the nose showing a luscious ripeness with rich floral aromas and undertones of black cherry. On the palate a classic full-bodied structure, packed with layers of ripe fruit and firm tannins, with a long and lingering finish.
The viticultural year
January 1997 at Malvedos was extremely cold and most unusually, snow covered the vineyard right down to the riverside. By early February the weather changed
drastically, becoming unseasonably hot, no rain falling at all during February and March, with daily temperatures 4 degrees above average. This resulted in bud burst occurring at Malvedos 15 days earlier than usual. The warm weather encouraged rapid wine growth and flowering took place under ideal conditions nearly a month earlier than in 1996. The wet weather returned in April and May and this, combined with cool temperatures from May to August, slowed down the vines' initial precocious development, leading to an even and balanced maturation. Mid-August heralded the return of the customary Douro heat, although heavy and prolonged rainfall fell on the Quinta on the 24th and 27th August. This was most welcome and had a highly beneficial effect on the grapes. By 10th September the heat had returned and the temperatures reached 42°C at Malvedos. These high temperatures continued throughout the month at the crucial time of the vines' ripening period. The text book maturation and the low yields ensured musts of outstanding quality and concentration.
Vintage overview
One of the great Vintages of the decade, with full-bodied and harmonious wines. General declaration.
