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2000 vintage report for Barossa Valley (South Australia)

The Barossa Valley has had one of the most viticulturally challenging harvests for many years, but winemakers are still reporting top quality wines. However, there will probably be fewer of them as consumers might like. ‘Several dry winters in succession, followed by a cool spring which badly affected fruitset, then long periods of very hot weather in January and February combined to reduce overall crop levels by up to a quarter, or even more in some of the older, dry-grown vines,’ said Brian Walsh, chairman of the Barossa Winemakers. ‘A spell of rain not long after the start of vintage, which began three weeks earlier than usual, added to the challenges. However, the rain turned out to be a blessing, giving the vines a much-needed drink and lengthening the ripening period after the heat. This resulted in only isolated fungal disease problems.’ Brian said this was a vintage when the winemaker’s time was better spent in the vineyards than the winery, checking the grapes constantly, even picking plots twice, to ensure optimum ripeness and flavour levels. ‘Such careful monitoring has paid dividends, with winemakers reporting very good quality from most varieties,’ he said. ‘Baumes were generally down a degree or so, which should give finer, more elegant and less alcoholic wines than in recent years.’ Brian said in the whites it was Semillon’s year, with some winemakers reporting their best ever wines from this variety. Riesling was also looking good, with very lifted and floral characters and lower alcohol than usual. Chardonnay was more patchy, with some vineyards sunburnt. Sauvignon Blanc and other whites were also variable, but some good results were achieved in the Eden Valley. ‘Shiraz performed well, with good average quality overall and exceptional results from old vines,’ said Brian. ‘Eden Valley Shiraz in particular will be a winner. Grenache was another star performer for many winemakers, with yields up in many cases but the wines still showing depth of colour and flavour.’ He said there were also good reports in for Cabernet Sauvignon — which benefited from the early rain and its characteristic later ripening — and Merlot and MourvFdre ferments were also looking good.