The winter was not cold, with very few frosts, and March brought stunning weather. Consequently, the vegetative cycle began early with budburst falling in mid-March, at least two weeks ahead of normal. April also experienced some beautiful weather and flowering came on the 18th May, the same date as 2006 but still much earlier than 2004 and 2005. Fruit set was again fractionally earlier, with an average date of 22nd May. June was decidedly un-summery with a very wet middle of the month. July brought showers and temperatures dropped sharply on the 23rd and 24th, exactly when a violent weather system brushed the northern edge of Iberia on its way to the UK where it caused severe flooding. Due to the colder weather, veraison was considerably delayed. August was again mild, without the normal searing summer heat.

The deep opaque purple color of this wine is due to the very low production of the old vines used in the blend from Quinta da Madalena and Vale Coelho. Full rich, powerful cassis flavors on the palate, combine perfectly with a sweet, rich liquorice and fruit finish. This powerful and complex Vintage Port has a huge potential for ageing.