The 1999 vintage was a case of potential greatness being destroyed by the ceaseless rains that fell throughout most of September. Spring was dry and witnessed above average temperatures and bud break and flowering all took place in ideal weather conditions. Perfect ripening conditions ensued throughout July, August and the first half of September with consistently hot and dry weather and growers were convinced that they had a winner on their hands. The heavens then opened with a vengeance during the second half of September and growers then faced one of the most challenging harvests in modern times. In Alentejo many of the grapes were harvested prior to the rains and the quality of the wines is high. In the Daô and Bairrada quality suffered with many of the wines being light and dilute. In the Douro the quality was mixed with the Touriga Nacional based wines faring the best. All the wine will be suitable for early drinking.