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 Alpine Valleys (Victoria)

Hot, dry conditions in January and February resulted in smaller berries and led to a 10% decrease in yields compared with 2000. A spokesman for the Alpine Valleys Winemakers & Grapegrowers Association, Stephen Lowe, said generally warm weather with a few rain periods in March had been followed by dry sunny days in April and grapes had ripened fully, with all varieties reaching target Baumes. The very wet start to the season (400 mm rainfall in the first six weeks) saw downy mildew conditions; however well timed and targeted sprays prevented this disease from taking hold. Stephen said while colour was less intense than in previous years, the reds have strong varietal characteristics, are well structured and have ripe flavours and tannins. ‘There are some outstanding examples of Shiraz and Merlot,’ he said. ‘The 2001 vintage saw excellent sparkling wines with intense flavour and finesse. White table wines show very good flavours and acid levels, with Chardonnay having intense melon and fig flavours.’ Stephen said the region’s vineyards have expanded tremendously in the last four years, as major wineries have moved into the cool climate zones of Victoria to improve the quality of their sparkling and table wine. ‘While the region’s wineries adequately coped with the intake this year, storage and processing capacity will become a serious issue in 2002, due to increased production,’ he said.