Filter reports by year

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

2002 vintage report for Goulburn Valley (Victoria)

Vintage in the northern Goulburn Valley commenced in the final week of February, and not until the second week in March in the southern region in the vineyards around Nagambie. This was two weeks later than average.
Overall, yields were down 40% and this was consistent across varieties and vineyards. Lower yields were generally the result of abnormally cool and persistent windy conditions throughout the flowering/berry set period. It was also the fifth year in succession that the Goulburn Valley received significantly below average winter rainfall.
Late February through to April provided warm and dry ripening conditions. There were some isolated incidents of powdery mildew but most vineyards were disease-free due to warmer late-season temperatures and low relative humidity. The poor fruitset and resultant low yields produced fruit with high varietal and flavour concentration. Cooler conditions earlier assisted in excellent acid retention.
The vintage produced reds with intense colour and flavour, according to Mitchelton Wines viticulturist John Beresford.
‘Generally, optimum flavours were not attained until high sugar levels had been achieved and this resulted in some high alcohol levels as reds completed fermentation,’ he said. ‘High acid retention was a common feature across all red varieties.
‘Aromatic whites including Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier were displaying excellent varietal character at early stages of vinification. Low Chardonnay crops throughout the Goulburn Valley are producing good to excellent quality wines.
‘Despite vintage being two weeks later than average, the final ripening progress occurred over a short period. As a result of the lower than average cropping levels, there was little pressure placed upon labour resources and processing infrastructure.’