An uneven growing season that has paradoxically produced some concentrated Vintage Ports that possess outstanding cellaring potential. Spring was abnormally early and warm, resulting in flowering occurring one month earlier than normal. The weather then turned and June, July, and the first half of August witnessed a combination of humid, overcast and rainy days with intermittent sunny days. However, late August and September saw hot and dry weather, enabling the harvest to begin on 15th September.

Yields were down by as much as 40% on the 1996s but the quality is very high. The vintage was almost universally declared and some well-structured and wonderfully harmonious Vintage Ports have been produced. In character they are similar to the 1983s and should age very well. However, in the long run, the more opulent and concentrated 1994s will probably overshadow them.