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1998 vintage report for Rutherglen (Victoria)

Yields were variable in the Rutherglen region in 1998. ‘Low rainfall had a dramatic impact on dry-land vineyards, giving very low yields,’ said Chris Pfeiffer, president of the Winemakers of Rutherglen. ‘Irrigated vineyards were down slightly.’ Vintage started early in mid-February and it was a brief vintage for many, with grapes coming in quickly. ‘Some enjoyed a vintage-free Easter for the first time in quite a number of years,’ Chris said. The weather was warm and dry and there was low incidence of disease. He described the quality of reds as good. ‘Fruit was good quality, with good colour. Muscats had good fruit with very good sugar accumulation.’ Whites were ‘average to good quality.’ Ross Hall from R.L. Buller & Son reports that the old non-irrigated vines at Rutherglen will probably yield a little less this year because of the lack of winter rainfall. But he cannot remember such big bunches of really clean fruit. Both the Shiraz and Muscat came in at quite high Baumes. ‘Mark down 1998 as likely to produce some big Rutherglen reds,’ he said.