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2000 vintage report for Goulburn Valley (Victoria)

A hot February followed by intermittent rain and temperature extremes caused some problems for Goulburn Valley winemakers. John Beresford, viticulturist at Mitchelton Winery, said the high temperatures post veraison resulted in disappointing acid retention in most varieties. ‘Susceptible whites, especially Riesling, suffered considerable sunburn and shrivelling as a result of extreme temperatures in February. As well, some losses were reported due to bunch rot prior to harvest.’ John said. However, growers who had taken good preventive spray measures had little problem with diseased fruit. Yields were down about 15% in white varieties but were about average for reds. John said the quality of reds ranged from reasonable to very good. Wines generally achieved good sugar/flavour ripeness and colour levels except in immature vines where cropping levels were occasionally too high. Marsanne and Viognier were shaping up well in tank. As far as the whites are concerned, John said quality was generally good, with reasonable flavour accumulation, but disappointing acid finish. ‘Some excellent Riesling is about to go into bottle as a result of low crops and mild botrytis infection,’ he said. Rainfalls of up to 60 mm were reported in the upper Goulburn Valley on 13 and 14 April. ‘This resulted in some increased pressure on red fermentation space,’ John said. ‘However the region generally coped well due to recent increases in processing infrastructure and the growth of new winery facilities in the last 12 months.’