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2000 vintage report for Gippsland (Victoria)

Quality up, quantity down was the conclusion for the Gippsland 2000 vintage. The season was generally kind to grapegrowers with little disease to worry about, said Graham Scott of the Gippsland Grapegrowers and Winemakers Association. ‘The usual persistent bird problems and some water issues caused changes of management strategies in some cases but the quality of the fruit was the bonus. And that has meant an easy vintage in the winery,’ he said. East Gippsland vines suffered from a burst of heat at the end of February. One winery lost 80% of its Riesling and up to 20% of Chardonnay and Traminer to sunburn. New vineyards coming on stream at Swifts Creek and Willung reported an easy season with good fruit. South Gippsland wineries also noted a lower than expected crop per hectare, offset by new vineyards coming into production. Frosts in September and lower vine vigour from the last couple of dry seasons affected fruitfulness. Several wineries picked very good Pinot and Riesling fruit. Later varieties like Shiraz were hit by strong winds at fruitset and were down in volume on last year. The trade-off was that sugar levels were excellent. Picking started early which kept bird loss to a minimum. One winery has picked what it considers is its best Pinot ever. Wineries in Central Gippsland also report exceptional fruit. ‘The region should produce some superb Pinot and Cabernet,’ Graham said. ‘And then there is the Sauvignon Blanc, left on the vines for botrytis and picked at an astounding 25 ° Baume. Prepare for sticky heaven!’