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2002 vintage report for Swan Valley (Western Australia)

The 42 local winemakers get together after each vintage—usually in late May—to taste each other’s wines and form an opinion on how the vintage went for the area.
‘The consensus at the 2002 tasting was that it had been one of the best years for the Swan Valley since the great years of 1977 and 1984,’ said David Atkinson, secretary of the Swan Valley & Regional Winemakers’ Association.
‘Growing conditions were superb with none of the peaks of very hot weather experienced in some years. It was a cool and mild growing season which allowed for excellent flavour development and terrific natural acid levels.
‘As a result of the ideal growing season disease problems were virtually non-existent and all varieties made excellent wines, particularly Verdelho, Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc. With the red wines, which are mainly Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and to a lesser extent Merlot, people have been commenting on the power, flavour and bright purple colours.’
Yields were down on previous years with many of the growers reporting an abundance of small bunches.
David said that a surplus of both Chenin Blanc and Shiraz occurred due to the late notice of a major winery that it had reduced its intake of Swan Valley grapes by about 80%.
‘Fortunately, much of the surplus was taken up by local and other regions’ wineries, but at reduced prices.’ he said.