2005 was one of the driest years ever in the Douro. At the end of August, the effort of the vines under such extreme conditions was visually impressive and their physiological activity very irregular. We were obviously worried. But suddenly, good news literally fell from the sky: in the second week of September, it rained. And something that in any other year would never be desirable was a true blessing in this one. The few drops were enough to refresh the vine canopy and reactivate ripening. Two weeks later, the result was spectacular! The first fermentations immediately showed the level of quality that lay ahead – intense fruit aromas, concentration… The patience and careful monitoring of the vines at the most precious moments had been rewarded – this difficult year had produced some of the best wines born in the vineyards of the Alves de Sousa family.