Filter reports by year

• 2015
• 2014
• 2013
• 2012
• 2011
• 2010
• 2009
• 2008
• 2007
• 2006
• 2005
• 2004
• 2003
• 2002
• 2001
• 2000
• 1999
• 1998
• 1997
• 1996

1996 vintage report for Clare Valley (South Australia)

Andrew Tolley, chairman of the Clare Valley Winemakers’ Association, is very happy about his region’s 1996 vintage. ‘This has been one of those exceptional vintages,’ he said. ‘Some wineries report an increase of up to 50% on last year, and generally yields are up at least 20% .’ Andrew compares the current vintage with that of 1992, after the region had to contend with drought in 1995, frost in 1994 and downy mildew in 1993. There were good winter rains, a good summer rain, and a relatively cool lead-up to harvest. Andrew says the 1996 reds are showing deep red/purple hues and should be rich, robust and flavoursome. The vintage should also produce highly aromatic Rieslings and strong varietal flavours.