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1999 vintage report for Clare Valley (South Australia)

‘Despite the 1999 vintage being more difficult than usual there is plenty of excitement among Clare Valley winemakers about the quality of wines and juices in tank,’ said Stephanie Toole, chairman of the Clare Valley Winemakers Association. ‘They are extremely positive about the red wines with most winemakers suggesting that they are at least on a par with the excellent 1998 reds, showing exceptional colour and very good flavours and tannins.’ Stephanie said although there was a little more variation of opinion about the whites, by far the majority have reported having wonderful Riesling juice in their tanks. Positive comments were also made about Semillon. Where the whites were picked before the first of the rains there was consensus about the high quality of the fruit. The onset of rain and the subsequent outbreak of botrytis in some vineyards seem to have prompted earlier picking than would otherwise have been the case. In most cases that strategy enabled serious problems to be avoided. Some very good botrytis infections have been reported in Riesling and Semillon which should result in some high quality dessert wines being made. Most winemakers reported lower tonnages than 1998, with some suggesting that vintage was down by as much as 15%. However, there was significant variation with some saying intake was on a par with 1998, while others noted increases in yield for some varieties.

There was little comment about losses due to disease; more commented on lower tonnages being related to the early dryness of the season. Generally it was felt that the rain helped the reds. Winemakers reported few problems where viticultural practices were good and crops were not excessive.

Stephanie Toole said the 1999 vintage was more challenging than most from a logistical and winemaking point of view. ‘It required good timing and coordination and it was important to be out in the vineyard keeping an eye on the fruit. Picking for most seemed to go smoothly and positive comments were made about the service offered by local contractors.’ She said it would seem that the Clare Valley has fared well in a year that has been difficult in many wine districts around Australia. ‘More than one winemaker mentioned how important the Clare Valley will be this year to the large wine companies.’