2005 Harvest Update

Post by **Roy Hersh** » Tue Oct 04, 2005 11:59 pm

Things have shaped up nicely. After a very difficult year, from a long dry winter and a summer without any measurable moisture to the fires that took place all over the Portuguese countryside, to the extremely low crops that are 20% below the yields of 2004 in most cases. The good fortune was that in the first week of September there was just enough rain to revive the vines and clusters that seemingly were in poor condition, even a week earlier. The much needed rain, saved the harvest and after the skies cleared, there was picture perfect weather in which to begin picking. It looks like there are some very fine and concentrated grapes out there. I can't wait to get over there to see for myself in a few weeks. Should be great and I also want to check up on the 2004 VPs in cask. More to follow.

Al B. · Post by **Al B.** » Wed Oct 05, 2005 4:22 am

Roy,

Thanks for this update on the 2005 conditions.

Did you do something similar for the 2004 harvest? I've seen very little on the conditions of the 2004 harvest and I'm curious to know what the likely outcome is going to be.

Thanks,

Alex

Post by **Roy Hersh** » Wed Oct 05, 2005 11:29 am

2004 is going to be a very strong contender for a split-declaration with the 2003s. Now with 2005 seemingly of very good quality grapes, it will make the 2004 decision even harder. Internal politics and certainly economics will weigh into the decision too. Ultimately though, it is the guality and quantity of the grapes that counts. Time will tell. I iwll have a better opinion after visiting later this month.

Steven Kooij · Post by **Steven Kooij** » Wed Oct 05, 2005 4:31 pm

I spoke with one of the producers I represent in The Netherlands (wine, not Port) and they had finished the harvest a few days ago. Indeed the rain early / mid september really helped...quality of the grapes picked after the rain was very good, with sugar levels reaching a potential 15.8% alc...but a rather small crop indeed.