A "split" vintage, with 12 of the major houses declaring. Winter was very cold and was followed by an unseasonably dry spring. The summer was hot and dry with heatwave weather conditions striking at the end of August and the beginning of September. Harvesting began in the 2nd week of September.

In youth this vintage was very highly regarded but it is fair to say that it has not stood the test of time as one would have wished. Many of the wines are light, almost too sweet and lack poise and balance. However, some of the top houses, such as Quinta do Noval and Croft, managed to produce very fine Ports which are now fully mature.