The late ripening cycle of Quinta da Cavadinha dictates the style of it's Ports. They are fresh, elegant and have very fine aromas. Old vines make up a very high proportion of the vineyard, consequently these wines are dark and concentrated, but the south easterly aspect and higher altitude contributes a very elegant style. The wines from the lower vineyards that border Pinhão River are tannic, dark purple red and concentrated, with superb aromas of violet and tea rose. Vintage 1996 ran extremely smoothly with an ideal amount of grapes being received per day. This allowed for good winemaking practices, which is apparent in the wines excellent quality.