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1998 vintage report for Blackwood Valley (Western Australia)

Generally healthy vines and a good even growing season, apart from some frost in October, led to a 5% increase in yield for the Blackwood Valley region of Western Australia. Vintage started on 25 February, a little early for the area. Brian Walker, president of the region’s Wine Industry Association, said that red wine quality ranged from average to good. He described the quality of whites as ‘excellent’ for Chardonnay to ‘poor-to-average’ for Riesling. The latter, along with Cabernet Sauvignon, was affected by the weather. It was dry early but heavy rain fell during March. Bird damage was the worst ever, leading to 10% losses.