1900 Vintage Port
Despite the fact that the wines were not remarkably dark when young, 1900 proved to be a year of exceptionally fine quality. A classic Vintage Port year. Declared by most of the major Port houses.
Drinking Status
These wines have been fully mature for many years. For very special occasions. Well kept, the best wines should last and last. This is a historic Vintage.
Tasting Notes
These wines are over a hundred years old, but they have a few more years in them yet! Delicate and fine. Some wines have an 'edgy' nose but the taste is superb.
Climatic Conditions
Snow fell in February and March. The vines were a month behind when Spring set in. The weather became warmer in mid-April. No rise in temperature until the end of May and the flowering period was satisfactory. Towards the end of July and the beginning of August it became extremely hot, with the thermometer reaching 108º F. (42º C.) It became cooler in the middle of month and rained for 10 days. After a fine spell the rain returned in mid-September.
Vinification
Some growers began the harvest in the rain, which did not stop until October 1st. From then on the weather was excellent, but the mischief had already been done.
Winemaker's Comments
'The beneficial effects of an unusually long and wet winter are everywhere visible' 12 April 1900.
'Prospects very favourable. Many vines which seemed hopelessly done for last autumn have resuscitated and are now splendid' 16 July 1900
'Began vintage here 21st, mostos (musts) showed 13 degrees. The weather is thundery and a lot of rain has fallen when it was least wanted...rigorous escolha (selection of grapes) is absolutely necessary and more so every day'
25 September 1900
'No one remembers a colder winter. There is no doubt that many 1900's would have gone wrong had the weather been as usual during the winter' 14 February 1901
Comments by George A Warre.