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2000 vintage report for Adelaide Hills (South Australia)

2000 was a difficult vintage, said Evan Hiscock, secretary of the Adelaide Hills Wine Region. ‘The main problem can be summarised as lower yields than desired. Other problems were specific to sub-regions and varieties.’ There was heavy rainfall in February and over the vintage period the weather was hot initially with a cold damp finish. Evan said fruitset was relatively poor across the region and February’s rain led to some berry splitting, particularly in Pinot. Crop reduction is estimated to range between 10 and 40%.’ The start of vintage varied from very early to normal, which in our diverse region meant anywhere from mid February to mid March,’ said Evan. ‘The berry splitting necessitated botrytis sprays but most growers were happy with the control these gave. Some noted that the effect of the weather was to give some shrivelling and very ripe fruit. Bird damage was varied across the region but European wasps were not a problem this year.’ Quality has been reported as surprisingly good. From Lenswood, Tim Knappstein said the Chardonnay had excellent flavours and balance with lower than usual sugars. He also said the Pinot was bold and forward and may lack finesse. Also at Lenswood, Peter Leske of Nepenthe reported good to excellent quality for all of their fruit. At Gumeracha both the reds and whites were reported as being slightly better than average. Alan Dean, near Balhannah, described his Sauvignon Blanc as ‘excellent’, Chardonnay as ‘good’ and Semillon as ‘OK.’ Piccadilly Valley growers reported that Chardonnay quality was good.