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2000 vintage report for Coonawarra (South Australia)

The 2000 vintage was the earliest on record in Coonawarra, where the lower than average yields have been compensated for by outstanding fruit quality.’It is worth noting that an early vintage in Coonawarra has generally resulted ion exceptional wines,’ said a report prepared by Wendy Hollick, president of the Coonawarra Vignerons’ Association and Max Arney, president of the Coonawarra Grapegrowers’ Association. ‘2000 is a year to watch for Coonawarra success.’ The 2000 vintage began with sparkling bases being picked in mid February. Yields were down variously, ranging from 20 to 30% in general and up to 50% in older Cabernet Sauvignon vines. Contributing to the decrease in yield were a severe frost in late April 1999; an early budburst due to warmer than average maximum temperatures in the June-October period, below average temperatures in November which impacted on flowering; low bunch numbers and frost in the spring. The weather during vintage was clear and dry from February through to May and the March-April period saw the slowest ripening for years. The rain that did fall during vintage was generally accompanied by or followed by winds that helped prevent moisture under canopies becoming a problem. The weather conditions reduced considerably the threat of disease in Coonawarra in the 1999/2000 growing, maturing and harvest periods. The below average temperatures early and late in the season, high January and February temperatures, and below average rainfall in the ripening and vintage periods helped reduce the disease threat. In terms of effect of weather on the quality of the grapes, the long, cool ripening period provided excellent conditions for flavour and colour enhancement. ‘The 2000 reds have produced some excellent flavours and colours that have many winemakers quietly excited about the potential of the wines they have in the wood,’ the report said. ‘They had intense colour and flavour on the vine and in the juice due to the small berry size and low bunch numbers, wonderful pH and acid balance. There is an expectation for slightly higher than average alcohol due to the marvellous ripening conditions experienced for the third year in a row. ‘The whites from 2000 have shown excellent varietal definition with great flavour and good acid balance. The expectation is that the whites will provide average to above average quality wines.’