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2000 vintage report for Clare Valley (South Australia)

Andrew Hardy, president of the Clare Valley Winemakers Association provided the following report: Most winemakers reported an early start to vintage, generally of the order of two weeks. Many also commented that it continued longer than normal, making it quite an extended vintage. There was some evidence that the early ripening diminished as vintage continued, with later ripening varieties being closer to normal. A number of winemakers reported a smooth flowing vintage with most attributing this to lower tonnages. Seasonal influences played a dramatic part in the 1999/2000 grapegrowing season in the Clare Valley. As a result of adverse conditions the overall tonnage was well down with reports of crops being up to 60% lower than in 1999. Generally, higher reductions were experienced in white varieties than red with Riesling being the worst affected. Hail took its toll in the Leasingham-Auburn area early in October, cool and windy conditions affected fruitset and the generally cool and very dry January followed. Heatwaves in February resulted in extensive sunburn and Riesling was particularly hard hit. Heavy rain late in February caused splitting, especially in Riesling, further reducing potential tonnage. These events, together with the general scarcity of water, reflect the difficulty of the growing season.However, it was not a disastrous vintage for the Clare Valley; winemakers are depressed about the quantity but definitely not about the quality of the 2000 vintage. All winemakers make very positive comments about the quality of their red wines from this vintage, reporting great colour and intensity of flavour. Most reported normal sugar levels and slightly higher than usual pH. There was greater variation in acidity than would normally have been expected. A number commented that red varieties benefited from the late February and March rains. Heat stress, sunburn and then splitting from later rain seem not to have had a serious impact on the quality of Riesling.The general feeling was that the Riesling class at the vintage tasting was quite strong with some very attractive wines showing out. Overall, the 2000 Rieslings are perhaps not quite up to the outstanding quality of the previous three vintages. Sugar levels were slightly lower than most year. A number of winemakers commented about the high quality of their Semillon this year, some suggesting that low yields had helped in this respect. Water was a scarce commodity and had to be managed carefully. Many had insufficient from their normal supplementary watering programs and were forced to use their limited supplies where it would do most good. Dry winters have a cumulative effect and early spring rains can give a false sense of security as perhaps happened this season. A number of people commented that sound viticultural practices had got them through this vintage. All winemakers talked of their hopes for a wet winter, for ground water supplies to be replenished and for dams to fill.