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2001 vintage report for Barossa Valley (South Australia)

Overall a great vintage and far better than anyone had dared expect,’ was the verdict of Richard Sheedy, chairman of Barossa Winemakers. The good news from 2001 is that the Barossa flagship reds — Shiraz, Cabernet and Grenache — are looking exceptional.

The above-average rainfall received in 2000 replenished subsoil moisture levels. This was followed by extended warm weather, which prevented disease and assisted ripening. Vintage was about two weeks early and picking started in early February. A 20% increase in yield countered the decrease in 2000, when the tonnage was down from 60,000 to 44,000 tonnes. There was also a slight increase due to some new plantings coming on stream. Very warm conditions in February and March meant that many grapes ripened almost simultaneously, putting pressure on wineries to harvest and ferment very quickly.

Richard said winery capacity was extended to the maximum, but everyone coped, thanks to a large degree of cooperation between local winemakers. Some (beneficial) rain and cooler temperatures in March enabled Baumes to stabilise and delayed picking, which meant wineries could ‘catch up.’ Vintage finished for most Barossa Valley wineries by the middle of April but some Eden Valley wineries were still crushing at the end of the month.

No major disease was reported although some pockets of early whites suffered sunburn. Richard described the 2001 reds as having excellent colour and great natural tannins, especially in Shiraz. ‘In most cases the quality was equal to the premium 1998; some winemakers are saying it could be the best Shiraz vintage in 30 years,’ Richard said. ‘Whites are very good, especially Eden Valley Riesling and Barossa Semillon, with good varietal characters.’