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2002 vintage report for Riverland (South Australia)

Vintage started in mid February which is late for the Riverland. The yield was approximately 10% bigger than last year’s record harvest. A relatively cool spring and mild summer resulted in good fruitset and optimum ripening with yields well above expectations.
The weather during vintage was warm to mild with no rain. However, due to the cooler nights, the vintage did go later than normal. The cooler conditions saw some late season powdery mildew on the leaves but otherwise no major disease problems were experienced.
‘The cool nights and warm days allowed optimum ripening conditions resulting in the highest quality ever seen in the Riverland,’ said Bill Moularadellis, chairman of the Riverland Wine Industry Development Council.
‘The vintage produced excellent reds. The high colours and good Baumes have resulted in the best reds ever seen, particularly the Merlot, Shiraz and Cabernet. The whites are also excellent. They have good Baumes and acid levels with intense fruit flavours, particularly with the Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and most other fragrant varieties.’
Bill said that the above average yields resulted in problems with processing and storage capacity at some wineries, which slowed the intake mid-harvest.
Jane Gilham, senior winemaker at Angove’s, said some exciting wines would come out of the Riverland this year.
‘The colour development and ripeness has resulted in some big stunning reds of a style reminiscent of high profile cooler climate regions,’ she said.