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2002 vintage report for Adelaide Plains (South Australia)

After a damp, slow start to spring, the growing season got off to a good start for the 50 or so grapegrowers on the Adelaide Plains, with above average rainfall from August to October. Although a vicious hailstorm swept over the area during budburst, affecting some whites, the cool to cold conditions were generally favourable.
Unseasonal weather patterns right through October to December meant that spraying programs had to be adhered to, and powdery mildew was very prominent.
After flowering, the setting of reds went well while there was a slight decline in the fruitset of the whites. The prolonged cool, damp spring conditions prevailed into the New Year with January and February remaining relatively cool to mild. Slower ripening encouraged higher quality fruit resulting in exceptional flavour and texture at harvest. The cooler weather also meant that much less drip irrigation was needed.
Harvest began in the first week of February, Sauvignon Blanc being the first to come off, with some Shiraz, Sangiovese and Petit Verdot not being picked until the end of April.
Joe Ceravolo, president of the Adelaide Plains Grape Growers and Wine Producers Association, said weather during harvest was ‘Beautiful one day, perfect the next’.
Yields for both reds and whites were down 20–30%.
He said that during the height of the ripening period, while the fruit was ‘right on track’, many growers faced the difficulties of wineries not wanting their fruit, in spite of its quality.
‘The association provided a role acting as a harvest bank, putting growers in touch with prospective buyers and vice versa,’ Joe said.
‘At the end of harvest all fruit had been allocated.
‘The end results can best be described as above average—best for 10 years for the reds. The whites are very good, particularly Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Colombard.’