A superb vintage in Chile that has produced white wines of purity and distinction and some of the most concentrated and intensely flavoured reds ever to be produced in Chile. Weather wise the elements were kind to growers with a wet winter leading to a mild spring and a long, mild, dry summer. The only downside was that the cool spring conditions affected fruit set in most varieties, leading to yields being down by 20-30% compared to the previous year. The good weather continued through into autumn and the harvest was one of the earliest ever. The whites display excellent clarity and fruit definition while the smaller crop and the very dry, hot summer led to good concentration in the reds, especially those produced from Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenčre. "The quality is definitely better this year than in 2000," said Matias Lecaros, winemaker at Viņa Carmen in the Maipo Valley.