2005 Portugal

The effects of the unprecedented drought in winter and until the beginning of September resulted in a small harvest, with production down as much as 30% . Wine are concentrated and often quite alcoholic wines, although in cooler regions further North (Dão, Dourro and Bairrada) or towards the coast (Alentejo) some very agreeable wines were made by quality-conscious producers. The reds were the most satisfactory and they will be at their best in 2008.