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1999 vintage report for Great Western (Victoria)

Nick Bulleid’s vintage report for Southcorp Wines notes that winter was very dry, provoking an early budburst. Frost on 25 September caused minor damage, but only to young vines at ground level. The severe frost on 27 October caused more damage. Spring was generally cool, but brought useful rain, so there was more water available than in recent years, but this was to change. Berry set on some blocks was affected by high winds. The summer turned very hot and dry and rain in early February caused some berry split but this dried out and left no lasting damage. Picking for table wines started on 4 March with Sauvignon Blanc and thereafter the season remained quite cold. Nick said the reds have again performed ‘brilliantly’ especially Shiraz. Southcorp winemaker Ian McKenzie describes them as ‘just amazing — the equal of the 1998s and the fifth wonderful vintage in a row.’ There are some good, if less consistent, Chardonnays. Riesling and Chardonnay from growers in the Strathbogie Ranges have turned out very well.