The three months leading up to the vintage were among the hottest and driest ever recorded in the Douro, with a succession of heatwaves, unprecedented in their scope and duration. We had — until the end of August — 70% less rainfall than the 30-year average and the soils were visibly parched. However, it was quite extraordinary just how well the vines were looking with few vineyards showing signs of hydric stress - a testament to their resilience and adaptability to harsh conditions. Once again, we broke our record for the earliest ever starting vintage, beginning to pick from August 22nd. September brought a considerable drop in temperatures both by day and by night, and the importance of this cannot be overstated, easing the strain on the vines, and providing propitious conditions for maturations to progress. It is incredible that the Douro has come through such trying conditions, delivering wines at a level of quality that many would not have believed possible at the start of the vintage.