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1998 vintage report for King Valley (Victoria)

A return to more classical North East Victoria summer conditions has resulted in excellent quality fruit, according to Peter Read, president of the King Valley Grapegrowers’ Association. Vintage was early and began in early February for sparkling varieties. Yields were up 20% on 1997. ‘Last year was low,’ said Peter. ‘This year we had good fruitset and good bunch numbers, although berry size eventually was down by about 10%.’ Weather during vintage was very dry and no disease was reported. Peter said the early 1998 reds were looking very good to excellent. ‘Ripeness generally was 13.2-14 ° Baume with excellent colours and flavours.’ He said it was a very promising vintage for whites. ‘Although early, flavours held up and acid was generally retained.’ The dry season left some growers short of water and the early vintage stretched some of the new wineries, which also had problems with late deliveries of tanks. ‘However all managed to cope well and all growers are happy with the outcome,’ Peter said. John Gehrig Wines reported that the hot, dry summer brought on one of the earliest vintages in memory. Overall the quantity of production was down, due to damaging frosts in October and the extreme heat in summer. Phylloxera also caused some loss of production. Reds are reported to have extremely deep colour and big flavours, while whites are down in quantity but have maintained a high quality level.