Description and Reviews:
Warre’s Vintage Port 1997 is a beautifully structured, classic wine from an excellent declared vintage. The 1997 Ports were initially somewhat overshadowed by the blockbuster 1994s, but over time, many—including Warre’s—have proven themselves to be elegant, long-lived, and deeply satisfying, especially for those who appreciate more refined, aromatic Ports.
True to Warre’s house style, the 1997 vintage leans into finesse over sheer power. In the glass, it typically shows a deep ruby color, with only slight signs of age around the rim. The nose is expressive, offering violets, dark cherries, blackberries, and subtle floral and herbal tones, followed by secondary notes like cedar, cocoa, and warm spice. On the palate, it’s medium- to full-bodied, with ripe black fruit, silky tannins, and excellent balance — a wine that’s powerful but never heavy.
At just over 25 years old, Warre’s 1997 is drinking beautifully now, though it still has more years ahead if well cellared. The tannins have softened, but the wine retains freshness and structure. It benefits from a good decant to allow the bouquet to open and to remove sediment. It's an excellent choice for anyone seeking a mature Port that still has vitality.
