Generally speaking 2001 was an excellent vintage in Argentina, although some of the reds shows signs of dilution as a consequence of the rain and hail that fell at the end of March. In Argentina's main wine region, Mendoza, a very hot and dry summer was followed by a patch of unusually cool weather and rain during the last week of March and first week of April. The rains were not torrential yet some growers took fright and began harvesting and subsequently produced underripe, dilute wines. After April 5th, the sunshine came flooding back and those growers who waited were rewarded for their patience with grapes rich in sugars and polyphenols. Most of the white grape varieties were harvested prior to the March rains and some zesty well structured Chardonnays and Sauvignon Blancs have been produced. However pride of place goes to the late ripening red grape varieties and there are some outstanding Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated wines that match, and in some eclpise, the reds from the majestic 1997 vintage.