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1999 vintage report for Murray Darling (NSW/Victoria)

The Murray-Darling region had a difficult year, with weather conditions making scheduling difficult, according to Grieg Greenwood, executive officer of the Murray Valley Wine Grape Industry Development Committee. The yield in the region increased by 18%, due mostly to an increase in the bearing area of vineyards. Above average yields were recorded for Chardonnay and Merlot. Dennis Mills, chairman of the committee, said prior to vintage the weather was very hot — up to 44 °C — and heavy rain on 12 February caused major problems with Sultanas and some Chardonnay. There was also some powdery mildew and late infestations of downy mildew. Sultanas were generally poor and Chardonnay variable, with some dry berries and uneven ripeness. However, some very good Chardonnay wines were made, despite the effects of the weather. Grieg described the 1999 vintage quality of reds as ‘below average in general, due to extreme heat and wet conditions during harvest.’ He said most whites were only average quality, with many varieties having low acid at harvest. ‘Expenditure by wine companies on new tanks meant there were minimal hold-ups and scheduling of delivery of grapes proved very successful,’ said Dennis. ‘Also the large number of harvesting machines made sure that there were very few delays in harvesting.’