1992 Vintage Port
A good Vintage with some rich and concentrated wines, the best of which are very good. Declared by some Port houses in favour of 1991.
Drinking Status
Wines are still very young, but may be approachable for those who like young Vintage Port by 2004/2007. The best will age superbly.
Climatic Conditions
The 1992 viticultural year was marked by the near drought conditions that prevailed during the early months of the year. Producers and shippers became anxious as the vines must survive the long dry summer by drawing on the underground moisture created by the winter rains.
Fortunately May and June produced more than average rainfall and August was not excessively hot. This was a relief as in many areas, vines were already showing signs of suffering from lack of water. A tremendous thunderstorm broke over the Upper Douro on 7th and 8th August, and this most welcome rain transformed the grapes. Within a short time the grapes had swollen and sugar readings improved.
Vinification
There was some uneven ripening due to the Winter drought. Picking began on the 21 September and in general some very good wines were made, particularly from those who managed to delay their picking for a week or so.
Winemaker's Comments
"In general the fermentations have shown excellent colour and nose. The grapes have been in good condition although yields were 20% below those achieved in 1991, this is not surprising considering the dry winter. There has been some uneven ripening due to the winter drought, but in general it can be said that some very good wines have been made."
Peter R Symington
15 October 1992