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2002 vintage report for Rutherglen (Victoria)

Chris Pfeiffer of the Rutherglen Agricultural Society described the 2002 vintage as ‘a different year to that experienced over the last 20 years’.
He said weather conditions favoured the development of grapes, and there was little disease loading.
‘Initially the weather was cool and we enjoyed a steady ripening,’ he said. ‘The weather then warmed and we had rapid accumulation of sugar, however this was not matched by fruit development. The weather held out and the grapes were picked at high sugar levels (14.5–15°Be) to ensure fruit flavour development.
‘The cooler ripening period resulted in red wine colour with an intensity not seen for many a year. Sugar levels in our fortified varieties are also high giving rise to wonderful blending wines for the future. And the whites have excellent sugar/acid balance producing fresh crisp styles.’
Chris said that a downside to vintage was yields were lower by up to 25% in some vineyards.