Dow's Quinta do Bomfim 2013 Vintage Port

After two consecutive years of drought, the winter of 2013 brought abundant rainfall which replenished the Douro’s soil water reserves. An unseasonably cool spring followed, which delayed the vines’ growing and ripening cycle. The summer was hot and exceptionally dry; just 4.6 mm of rain was recorded at Bomfim during June, July and August, practically next to nothing. However, the vines looked remarkably healthy despite the heat and the lack of water, and to our great relief some timely showers arrived on September 5th, falling evenly over several hours (13 mm at Bomfim). This rain made a real difference, giving the final stretch of ripening just the fillip that the berries required. The late starting vintage was interrupted almost as soon as it started due to some unsettled weather, but fine, sunny conditions followed, and the grapes arrived at the Bomfim winery healthy and ripe.