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2000 vintage report for Padthaway (South Australia)

This season saw an early budburst following another dry winter and was 1-2 weeks earlier than last year, reports Ian Ward, president of the Padthaway Grape Growers Association. Vigorous early growth was followed by a month of cooler weather. This cool period from mid October to mid November caused some problems in young vines with the uptake of trace elements, due to lack of root activity. Frosts were experienced in late October and early November, causing damage in some areas. Up to 5% of the region was affected with isolated patches suffering up to 50% damage. Cool and windy weather during flowering resulted in a reduced set, particularly in older vines, leading to reduced yields. Disease levels were low with no problems from downy mildew. Some powdery mildew was evident in the late summer. Harvesting conditions were ideal with little rain and grapes were harvested in good condition. ‘Quality was excellent this season, due both to the lower yields and to growers’ continuing efforts to produce high quality grapes,’ Ian said.