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1999 vintage report for Rutherglen (Victoria)

Bernard Gehrig of the Winemakers of Rutherglen said 1999 was ‘a year we would like to forget.’ A 30% decrease in yield resulted from frost and less than normal rain for dryland grapes. Weather during vintage was dry early, then rain at Easter slowed ripening. However, the reasonably dry spring and summer made for a disease-free year. ‘Frost and reduced yield made it difficult for some winemakers, although others were OK,’ said Bernard. ‘Red varieties suffered most with frost; unaffected fruit showed good fruit intensity and flavour but really it is a bit early to judge.’ Bernard said some of the whites showed up better than expected with good fruit flavour, but volume will be down.