A small quinta owned by Quinta do Noval, the 1997 Silval is a splendid effort as well as a sleeper of the vintage. This full-bodied, saturated purple-colored wine displays abundant quantities of chocolate, licorice, and coffee bean notes intertwined with black berry and cassis fruit. Massive in the mouth, with sweet tannin and stunning concentration, this knock-out 1997 should drink well in 3-4 years, and last for two decades or more. Very impressive! Importer: William Grant & Sons, Edison, NJ; tel. (732) 225-9000- RP

Very floral, with plenty of fruit on the nose, turning to dried stem. Full-bodied, with a solid core of fruit and silky tannins. Long and caressing. Serious and youthful still. Keeps on getting better. '77/'85/'97 blind Port retrospective. Best after 2008. — JS