1912 Vintage Port
A superb classic Vintage, considered by many to be one of the finest of the 20th century. Declared by most major Port Houses.
Drinking Status
This Vintage has been fully mature for many years, but well cellared, the best wines will be fine for years to come.
Tasting Notes
The best wines still showing great balance and lovely soft fruit flavours.
Climatic Conditions
The winter was wet and stormy, the warm weather in April brought on the vines. May was intensely hot followed by cooler weather in June and July. August was notable for its hot days and cool nights. The hot weather continued into the first three weeks of September, though there was a little rain on the 19th, just when the Vintage was starting. It rained again for three days on the 27th September, which did cause some damage, but thereafter the weather was fine.
Vinification
Picking commenced on the 18/19th September. A good yield and it looked like a vintage year from the very start, the musts showing good colour, body and flavour.
Winemaker's Comments
"It rained on the 17th. This last shower allowed the vintage to begin most favourably on the afternoon of the 18th. The grapes in all the fine vineyards were uniformly ripe and had all been gradually brought to this state of perfection' 23 September 1912."
"The vintage was helped by fine weather until the 2nd October when it began to rain for 3 days. We calculate that 9/10ths of the finer wines were already gathered before the rain began. The musts have plenty of flavour, body firmness and colour and promise to become very fine wines. Veremos (we will see)."
Amyas Warre
10 October 1912