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1998 vintage report for Geelong (Victoria)

Excellent weather at flowering and a long summer added up to an ideal vintage for the Geelong region. Yields increased by up to 100% on the previous year (a 50% increase on normal year figures). Vintage was early and started in the middle of March. Paul Chambers, president of the Geelong District Winegrowers Association, said the lack of rain and excellent sunshine produced top quality fruit. Weather conditions during vintage included warm days, cold nights and little rain. ‘There was very little disease reported and was only minor where it occurred.’ The 1998 red wines showed excellent deep colours and flavour and should be very long-lived. ‘Whites are also excellent,’ Paul said. ‘There is incredible fruit quality in fresher styles and excellent ageing potential in full-bodied styles.’ Paul said that vintage started early and occurred over a compressed period. ‘We even had Pinot Noir harvested at the same time as Cabernet Sauvignon!’ he said. ‘In many instances tank space at wineries dictated harvest dates.’