Early harvesting has meant that the Fladgate Partnership has been able to declare a classic vintage port from all three of its houses for 2009.

Speaking to the Drinks Business, the Fladgate Partnership's chief executive officer Adrian Bridge revealed that the estates saw a very dry summer season in 2009.

The group therefore decided to harvest early from older vines with deep and intricate root systems, to ensure the quality of the grapes remained high.

"There was virtually no rain from July to September, with [in Quinta de Vargellas] just 0.6mm in July, 1.2mm in August and 8.6mm at the end of September, and this favoured old vines with very established root systems," he told the publication.

Mr Bridge previously said that his vineyards' 2009 ports are "built for longevity", much like the great landmark vintages produced in the early part of the 20th century.

However, Symington Family Estates, chose not to declare a 2009, finding the results to be too disappointing.