1966 Vintage Port
An outstanding Vintage of exceptional quality, but always unjustly overshadowed by the 1963. Now recognised as being one of the very best post-war Vintage Ports. Declared by most of the major Port houses.
Drinking Status
Mature and ready to drink, but the best wines will keep for many decades if well cellared.
Tasting Notes
Solid wines with superb structure, filled with fruit and tannins. Depth of fruit persists even now after more than 30 years. They can be drunk now, but they still have many years life ahead of them.
Climatic Conditions
A wet winter. Then there were storms and low temperatures in May with the sun only showing itself at the end of the month. A fine and hot July, more leaf than usual on the vines prevented burning.
Vinification
Rain interrupted the harvest a few days after it began, but it hardly harmed the grapes. The overall harvest was small, but of very good quality.
Winemaker's Comments
"The nascenca (budding) is looking very healthy and plentiful."
James R Symington
23 April 1966
"August was exceptionally hot, twice 45 degrees C. was recorded. Fortunately the month ended with cooler weather and a little rain fell, but the first week saw a return to fine hot weather. The exceptionally wet winter left good reserves of moisture in the soil and leaf growth is above average, the prospects for quality are good."
Michael D Symington
6 September 1966
"The vintage started on the 19th, the weather being fine throughout September though on the hot side. Graduations were all over 14 Bé and while temperatures in the musts rose to over 32 C, the fermentations were slow and the colour and flavour of the musts appeared excellent. On 26 September it rained heavily. By the 29th the weather cleared and became much cooler. Musts everywhere showed higher than average readings and the colour is excellent. Yields on the other hand are the lowest for many years, some Quintas being as much as 30% down on their 1964/5 productions. We are delighted with the prospects for the 1966's. It will be surprising indeed if 1966 does not prove to be an excellent vintage for Port."
Michael D Symington
9 October 1966