Not an easy vintage for the main wine regions of Northern Spain. In Rioja it rained heavily in spring and temperatures remained on the low side during June and July. August was hot and humid, before the rains returned with a vengeance in the second half of September. Yields were lower than average and quality is very variable. Hardly any Reservas or Gran Reservas were produced.

In Ribera del Duero late spring frost caused havoc in many vineyards and this was followed by storms and generally unsettled weather throughout the summer. A difficult year, yet the finest producers such as Vega Sicilia have made very good wines by making a rigorous selection at harvest time.