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1997 vintage report for Cowra (New South Wales)

The Cowra region had a lot of first-vintage growers in 1997, and it was difficult to make comparisons with previous years, said Anne Coates, secretary of the Cowra Region Vineyard Association. However, some established growers had reported decreased yields, ranging from 5-15%. Late frosts were given as the reason by some growers. All growers reported A1 quality. Vintage was about two weeks late, following a relatively cool summer. Vintage was carried out in perfect weather conditions, said Anne, with warm days and cool nights, and no disease problems. Most harvesting is done at night in the region. Anne said the 1997 red wines should be good to excellent, with intense colour and good maturity. Some white varieties suffered some sunburn, but overall the quality of white wines should also be ‘very good.’