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1996 vintage report for McLaren Vale (South Australia)

A 10% increase in yield and prospects of excellent quality reds and whites are reported from McLaren Vale. Ben Riggs, winemaker from Wirra Wirra, said excellent winter rains and good weather during flowering and set, combined with last year’s low crops, had led to the yield increase. January and February had been warm to hot and March very cool. Disease had not been a problem, due to the warm dry January and February. Vintage started in early February, which was normal for the region. ‘The region will produce big, rich, powerful Cabernets with excellent varietal characters,’ Ben said. ‘Rich, quite elegant Shiraz should have great length and style. This has also been a very good white vintage with flavourful styles.’