A highly successful vintage in Argentina, in terms of both quality and quantity and one which came as welcome relief to growers and producers after the extremely difficult El Niño vintage in 1998. Weather conditions were beneficial to growers - winter and spring were mild with no hard frosts and the summer was warm with high temperatures recorded in December and January. February was dry and warm, leading to good sugar concentration and low acidity in the grapes. The harvest began 10 days earlier than normal and the grapes arrived at the wineries showing both good maturity and varietal characteristics. The whites display good fruit concentration, with balanced alcohol levels and low acidity. Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc were the 'stars'. The reds display particularly good colour, high alcohol levels and low acidity with many wine showing excellent concentration. The most successful varieties were Malbec, Syrah, Merlot, Bonarda and Cabernet Sauvignon.