Filter reports by year

• 2015
• 2014
• 2013
• 2012
• 2011
• 2010
• 2009
• 2008
• 2007
• 2006
• 2005
• 2004
• 2003
• 2002
• 2001
• 2000
• 1999
• 1998
• 1997
• 1996

2001 vintage report for Adelaide Hills (South Australia)

The hottest summer in 95 years, and second hottest on record in Adelaide, was tailor-made for the cool climate Adelaide Hills. ‘Viticulturists and vignerons alike are beaming from ear to ear (and from white to red),’ said Evan Hiscock, president of Adelaide Hills Wine Region. Yields varied from variety to variety and site, but overall healthy crops on healthy vines combined with new plantings coming on stream suggest a record harvest in the Adelaide Hills. Despite the huge diversity in mesoclimates across the Adelaide Hills — from Clarendon in the south (bordering McLaren Vale) to Kersbrook in the north (bordering the Barossa Valley) and from Mt Lofty in the west to Mount Barker in the east — vintage 2001 was without exception problem free for the district’s 180-plus grapegrowers and 35 or so winemakers.

Weather conditions during the growing season, flowering and fruitset were ideal. No cold dip to hamper flowering, with a full set, not reduced by high wind velocities, with the notable exception of Sauvignon Blanc in many vineyards. Evan said the altitude of the Adelaide Hills modified the record summer heat and the balmy evenings invariably turned into typically cool nights, allowing the district’s great acid retention. Indeed viticulturally, the scorching summer burnt itself out in the Adelaide Hills with most of the high temperatures coming before veraison and weather post-veraison near perfect. There was very little sign of any disease (just a few lightbrown apple moths in parts) and, contrary to media reports, extremely low bird pressure, with old hands arguing that a wet winter in 2000 meant that flocks stayed home in other areas where there was plenty of food. As testament to the modifying influence of the Adelaide Hills’ climate, harvest dates were not much earlier than typical; the majority of vineyards picked between mid-March and late April, and most of the fruit picked in early May was in optimum condition (except from vineyards carrying too much crop). Riesling is claimed by many as the best ever, as is Semillon and other white varieties, such as Pinot Gris and Viognier. Sauvignon Blanc is mixed as far as attacking herbaceousness is concerned, with some growers caught by surprise with the progression of flavours at relatively low sugar levels. Chardonnay was constantly described as exceptional and extraordinary.’As for reds, Pinot Noir and Merlot are looking as good as Chardonnay, with generally more recent plantings of varieties such as Cabernet Franc, Tempranillo, Sangiovese and Barbera hitting their straps,’ Evan said. ‘The quality of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon seems at the early stage potentially unsurpassed.’