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1998 vintage report for Grampians (Victoria)

Vintage was early in the Grampians region, picking starting early in March. Secretary of the Grampians Winemakers, Val Toomey, attributed a 20% increase in yield over last year’s figures to the warm and dry weather at setting time. The weather continued warm and dry until early April when it turned cold, slowing ripening of red varieties. ‘Some Shiraz and Cabernet was not picked until the middle of May, two weeks later than usual, so it was a long picking period,’ Val said. Apart from some powdery mildew, most vineyards were disease-free. Val said the weather had enhanced sugar levels in all varieties and she described the quality of the reds as generally very good to outstanding and the whites as generally very good. ‘Birds are becoming an increasing problem and European wasps in some areas are an increasing and worrying pest,’ Val said.