An unseasonably warm winter and unseasonably cool spring — both exceptionally wet — were followed by one of the hottest summers on record. At the end of August 40% more accumulated rainfall than the 30-year average was recorded in the Douro and these water reserves attenuated the effects of the very hot and dry summer. Timely rain came to the rescue during two days in late August, refreshing the vines which were straining from the heat and putting maturations back on track. Phenolic ripeness was reached with relatively low Baumés, proving excellent for balanced, elegant wines. The vintage started at both Quinta de Roriz and Quinta da Perdiz on September 15th and was concluded on October 11th and 10th, respectively; a later vintage than normal.