1991 Vintage Port
The first “Declared Vintage” for six years – the longest gap between declarations for decades. A very small but good Vintage not dissimilar to some of the 1983's. Declared by most but not all houses.
Drinking Status
Approach from 2005, although some wines may need a little longer. The best will age well for decades.
Tasting Notes
The wines are rich with plenty of good ripe fruit character.
Climatic Conditions
The heavy rains that fell in the early part of 1991 were to stand the vineyards in good stead for the dry spring and very hot summer which ensued. Following the intense August heat, refreshing showers in early September ensured the grapes achieved a very good state of maturity with high sugar levels.
Vinification
The cooler weather during the picking which started on the 24th September forced certain producers to have to heat the must slightly in order to start the fermentation. However it became very apparent that some classic wines were being made.
Winemaker's Comments
"The depth and quality of colours and aroma this year is perhaps the best since 1985, with great intensity and a purple hue. In general grapes contained little juice, thus the skin to juice ratio during fermentation was high, giving rise to highly coloured and tannic wines."
Peter Symington
October 1991