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1998 vintage report for Cowra (New South Wales)

Continuous hot and dry weather over the growing season led to an early vintage in the Cowra region, beginning on 2 February. Mark Sims of the Cowra Region Vineyard Association said yields were maintained at an average level, up by 15% on last year when the summer was relatively cool. Weather during vintage was hot and dry with cool nights, making ideal harvesting conditions. There was little to no disease for the year, due to the climatic conditions. Ripening was rapid with fruit harvested at desired Baumes and the vintage was short from start to finish. There were some reports of deferred picking dates due to pressure of winery intakes. Mark said reds suffered from the heat slightly more than whites, probably due to the phenological stages of red varieties being later than whites. Quality was average, with wines lighter in body but of good flavour. ‘Whites are excellent,’ Mark said. ‘They are showing good varietal characteristics and winemakers are very happy.’