2000 Spain

A successful vintage for most Spanish wine regions, although extreme temperature variations caused damage to many vineyards and resulted in lower than average yields especially in Northern Spain. In Rioja temperatures were very high throughout the summer and with very little rain. However, temperatures cooled down in late September and then there was some heavy rainfall at the end of the month. Overall the quality is high, with the wines having more depth of fruit and concentration than the 99s but falling short of the powerful and complex 98s. In Ribera del Duero a bitterly cold winter was followed by an extremely hot and dry summer. Yields were significantly lower than normal but the quality is extremely high. Pure, crisp and richly aromatic dry whites were produced in Rias Biaxas in north-west Spain.