WINEMAKER NOTES:

The 2000 winter was mild and dry. Spring rain at flowering caused some reduction in overall crop size. The summer was hot and dry, giving a regular and uniform grape maturation until mid-August, when light rains brought welcome refreshment to the vines, enabling them to finish the ripening under ideal conditions. The vintage began in the Upper Douro the second week of September. The weather cooperated fully, providing warm and dry conditions during the day and cool nighttime temperatures. It was obvious to the entire production staff that by the end of harvest we had made a relatively small quantity of truly outstanding wine.

Aged two years in (old) wood and bottled unfiltered, Vintage Port usually demands at least 10-15 years of bottle age to soften its powerful tannins and permit the robust fruit elements to marry and harmonize. Vintage Port is usually considered fully mature after 30 years. - Miguel Corte-Real, Commercial and Viticultural Director

Aromas of violets and blueberries dominate the nose and full-bodied palate. The wonderfully layered flavors are delivered on big smooth tannins and lead to a long velvety finish. This Vintage Port should age to perfection over the next twenty years. - Jim Reader, General Manager and head of the winemaking team

Appellation: Porto
Region: Douro Valley - Sub-region of Douro Superior
Varietal Composition: Touriga Nacional-40%, Tinta Barroca-20%, Touriga Francesa-10%, OldVines (Vinhas Velhas) of mixed plantings - 30%
Estate/Quinta: Quinta doAtayde & Quinta dos Canais

FERMENTATION:

Ave. Temp.: 24¼C/28¼C
Lagares (foot treading): 100%
Lees Contact?: Yes
Malolactic Fermentation (%): No
Barrel Fermentation (%): No

BARREL AGING:

Wood Type: Oak 100%
Barrel Size: 3950-gallon oak uprights
Time in Barrel: 2 years
Age of Barrels: More than 50 years
Filtration: Unfiltered

WINEMAKER DATA:

pH: 3.63
Residual Sugar: 8.62%
Alcohol: 20%