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1998 vintage report for Mudgee (New South Wales)

Hot, dry growing conditions at Christmas in combination with flowering resulted in a 10% decrease in yield in the Mudgee region. But the reduced yield increased the fruit quality in general, according to James Manners, assistant winemaker at Montrose. Weather during vintage was fine and warm to hot with the occasional shower in the later months of April. The disease index was down, due to hot and dry conditions. ‘Botrytis was minimal — an excellent year for low disease,’ James Manners said. He said the reduced cropping levels resulted in fruit concentration and generally increased quality. 1998 reds showed excellent colour and flavour concentration for Shiraz and Pinot Noir. There was some colour loss for Cabernet because of anthocyanin shutdown due to excessive heat during November. ‘White wines are rich and flavoursome, with high glycerol for Chardonnay and ripe melon/peach characters,’ he said. ‘Semillon is leaner, but with ripe fruit flavours.’