2011 was an exceptional year in the Douro Valley. The 2010/2011 winter was wet, which built up the underground water reserves that are critical at each stage of the vine ́s growth cycle. The spring was very warm and dry. However, a relatively mild summer, with some rain in late August and early September, attenuated the effect of the drought and helped the vines to ripen their fruit perfectly. A period of good weather followed for almost two months, creating the ideal harvest conditions and leading to the prediction that great wines would be made that year.