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1997 vintage report for Adelaide Hills (South Australia)

Chris Laurie, president of the Adelaide Hills Grapegrowers & Winemakers Association, reported that vintage started in the first week in April, one to two weeks later than normal. The hot spell of weather towards the end of February halted ripening and set the vines back with some loss of berry weight. Overall, yields ranged from average to low. ‘The superb Indian summr, with warm still days and cool nights, all through April and early May got us out of gaol,’ said Chris. ‘The total absence of rain during vintage and warm days enhanced the flavour ripeness.’ Chris describes the 1997 vintage quality for reds as exceptional, with great colour and flavour intensity.He believes the whites will be good without being outstanding. By and large it was a disease-free year. ‘The growing season started well, with ideal conditions in spring and early summer,’ Chris said. ‘But for the extreme heat at the end of February, followed by a cool start to March, the entire season was ideal. The delayed vintage and early leaf drop resulted in ripening by concentration of sugars in late varieties.’