When mid-July 2022 hit, Portugal saw a staggering record high of 47ºC in Pinhāo, nestled in the Douro Valley, igniting concerns over the forthcoming wine harvest. However, contrary to expectations, the harvest revealed small, healthy berries with remarkable flavors and an unexpected freshness, turning skepticism into intrigue.
After maturing for two years in cellars, prominent Port houses in the Douro recognized the uniqueness of their finest plots, announcing the release of Vintage single-quinta and special vineyard selections from this challenging year. While 2022 wasn’t a traditional, widely-declared Vintage, the resulting wines expressed a striking sense of terroir, with aromatic complexity and elegantly structured tannins.
An in-depth analysis of the growing season, featuring insights from master blenders and head winemakers, sheds light on the Port trade’s ongoing transformations, the impacts of climate change, and the sometimes conflicting goals behind Vintage declarations. The discussion centers on the remarkable wines birthed from such oppressive temperatures.
Notably, Quinta do Noval’s Nacional emerged as a standout, showcasing exceptional depth and concentration combined with mineral clarity. This wine is remarkably drinkable upon release and is expected to develop beautifully over the decades.
Additional noteworthy wines include the fifth edition of Capela do Vesúvio, which embodies the essence of schist soils and summer rains, and the inaugural release of Taylor’s Sentinels. These selections highlight the Port industry’s dynamism during 2022, a year that challenged producers yet allowed them to celebrate the resilience of their vineyards.
This year’s vintage serves as a reminder of the specific allure each micro-terroir contributes, showcasing how producers can navigate through adversity and create wines that resonate with history and place.
For a complete overview of the 2022 Vintage Port with scores and tasting notes, check out the detailed analysis available on Decanter Premium.
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