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1999 vintage report for Riverina (New South Wales)

Les Worland, chairman of the Winemakers of the Riverina Promotions Committee, said yields in the region increased by 32% over last year. ‘This was an exceptional year for yield after many ordinary ones, with rainfall at vintage and new plantings coming on stream all contributing,’ said Les. Rain in mid-March and at Easter delayed vintage and there were some sporadic patches of powdery mildew evident . Botrytis late in the harvest was ideal for dessert wines. The weather conditions caused some white varieties to struggle to reach Baumes. Les said early reds were exceptional, with good colour. The great percentage of the red crop was harvested before rain. Early whites were good; Semillon was delayed because of rain and some was picked after Shiraz. Generally the remaining varieties showed good overall quality. ‘Because of the record vintage some wineries struggled with storage, but the region coped through cooperation,’ said Les. ‘There were some problems after heavy rains with harvesters not being able to perform in heavy conditions and this delayed the finish of vintage.’