96 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Saturated black/purple-colored, with stunning aromatics of blueberries, blackberries, licorice, and iron, this spectacular vintage port is one of the stars of the vintage. Extremely full-bodied, with silky tannin, spectacular concentration and purity, multiple flavor levels, and an evolved, forward personality, this is an exquisite yet precocious 1997 vintage port. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2030. (RP) (1/2000)
96 points Wine Enthusiast
This is rather flashy for Taylor, with plenty of upfront appeal to its floral, spicy aromas and gobs of fruit. It’s very lush and soft on the palate, almost overloaded with blackberries and plums, then firms up and begins to show that Taylor reserve on the dusty finish. Hold. (2/2007)
94 points Wine Spectator
Very ripe on the nose, with raisin and dried flowers. Full-bodied, medium-sweet and chewy, Racy and rich. Still needs time, but you can drink and enjoy if you decant a few hours before. '77/'85/'97 blind Port retrospective. Best after 2011. (JS) (Web Only--2008)
93 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
Bright, saturated ruby. Vibrant, pure aromas of blackberry, violet and bitter chocolate. Juicy, minerally, precise and penetrating, but quite primary and unevolved today. Shows strong but integrated acidity and a tight kernel of fruit. Best today on the slow-building, rising, aristocratic finish. But today the wine's tannins are less obvious than its acids. This seems distinctly less ripe and chewy than the great 2000 Taylor's but it's still extremely unevolved. Latour-like in its structure and reserve. 93(+?) points. (ST) (1/2006)
Jancis Robinson
Very dark purplish crimson. Unformed peppery nose. Extremely voluptuous, satiny fruit followed by lots of acidity and tannin—just a baby but a very bonny baby indeed. Should provide great port drinking eventually. Violets, perfume, nice dry finish. 18/20 points. (8/2005)
