Forum for Port, Madeira & Portuguese Wines
https://www.fortheloveofport.com/ftlopforum/
https://www.fortheloveofport.com/ftlopforum/viewtopic.php?t=45494
Sounds similar to my experience with this from a 375 a little while back. I bought several and was kind of underwhelmed.
1998
Weather Conditions
After a short, sharp winter the Douro ‘enjoyed’ an uncharacteristically hot and dry February and March; by late March vine shoots were already 30 cm in length. April and May, however, were extraordinarily wet and cool, with frost in higher lying areas. The result of this pattern was poor fruit set and one of the smallest vintages in living memory. June was mercifully mild and July and August hot and dry as they should be, and the grapes had achieved perfect ripeness in many areas.
Harvest
The harvest began around 21 September and the first Baumés were promising. Sadly, the weather broke and the harvest continued in wet conditions, reducing Baumés. Senhora da Ribeira was one quinta to start early, 14 September, and complete their harvest before the rains set in, and Cavadinha, as usual, began quite late on the 1st October, also missing the rains and harvesting in fine conditions.
That is the best thing about the Douro, it's so big with different micro-climates that someone ends up making something good even in a tough year. Well, unless it was 1993
