(TheDrinksBusiness) - Heat waves, drought and hail storms have failed to dampen the Douro winemakers’ spirits as Symington Family Estates declared the initial musts “first rate”. Paul Symington, co-chairman of the company, said in his harvest report: “The accountants will not be happy with 2012, but the winemakers and tasters certainly will be.” He wrote: “The Douro grapes this year were in lovely condition, with small berries giving excellent colour and flavours and the musts looked really first-rate. Early tastings confirm considerable acidity and freshness in the samples.”