According to custom, all three houses made their declaration announcement on 23 April.
The Fladgate Partnership managing director, Adrian Bridge, said: “Yields at the harvest were below average. The amount of 2016 Vintage Port offered will be relatively restricted and allocations will be tight. The 2016s are likely to become rarities in future, particularly given the trend towards enjoying Vintage Ports young.”
The 2016 vintage ports from Croft, Fonseca and Taylor’s will be shipped later in the year and should be available in most markets by the autumn.
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The Fladgate’s Partnership technical director and head winemaker, David Guimaraens added: “Two factors stand out in 2016. Heavy rainfall in spring meant that the vines had plenty of water throughout the summer.
“Secondly, the ripening season started relatively late and lasted well into September. This led to very gradual and even ripening of the crop with all elements in perfect balance at the time of the harvest. Picking started later than usual on all of our houses’ estates, particularly those located in the Pinhão Valley.
“Harvesting conditions at the end of September and early October were perfect, with cool nights contributing to long fermentations and gentle, complete extraction. As a result the wines are solidly structured with firm, well integrated tannins and display very fine fruit quality.”
