1999 Vintage Report

The winter of 1998 was dry and temperate after a rainy autumn. Due to minimal frosts, spring was dry with large temperature variations. Summer began with warm and dry weather conditions and continued with ideal conditions for the grapes to mature gradually and completely. The variation of highs and lows in the high altitude vineyards of the Andean foothills gave the grapes the opportunity to fully develop their colours and aromas, as well as the ripe sweet tannins in the reds and an excellent sugar/acid balance in the whites.

2000 Vintage Report

Cold weather occurred in the winter of 1999 around Mendoza Province and Spring and Summer had temperatures slightly below normal with some isolated precipitation, although the sun shone strongly for much of the summer. These factors helped to slow down the maturation process, resulting in a later harvest and a more gradual and complete ripening. Autumn brought moderate temperatures and dry conditions, allowing the grapes to naturally complete the maturation process and achieve their optimum ripeness. In general, the 2000 vintage produced grapes of extraordinary concentration and balance.

2001 Vintage Report

The winter of 2000 included early snowfall, which provided irrigation water for the 2000-2001 growing season. The moderate temperatures in spring and low relative humidity resulted in an excellent flowering and set. The summer months were hot and dry, however January brought needed cooler temperature and some rain. Late March experienced some rainfall over areas of Mendoza, which affected some varieties. However, in those areas that experienced little precipitation or whose soil and slope allowed for easy drainage, maturation continued smoothly. In general, the 2001 harvest was fairly difficult, yet white wines and many red varieties were excellent for the year.

2002 Vintage Report

The 2002 harvest has been hailed by winemakers as the most exciting vintage in at least 15 years. The climatic conditions in the ripening months between January and April were excellent. Dry, warm, and sunny weather continued throughout the season with only a slight rainfall in February. All the grapes reached their optimum ripeness. Malbec was the premier variety for the 2002 vintage as it enjoyed a delayed ripening time. The Cabernet fruit was also harvested in ideal conditions. Argentine winemakers are rejoicing as the 2002 vintage has produced some of the best wines yet in Argentina.