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 McLaren Vale (South Australia)

The McLaren Vale vintage was a stunner despite lower than average yields in many vineyards, according to Jennifer Nicholl, marketing manager of McLaren Vale Winemakers.
‘Poor set on most varieties from the cool windy spring as well as lower fruitfulness from the previous spring have left many of McLaren Vale’s vineyards with yields between 20% to 40% lower than average,’ Jennifer said.
‘Despite this decrease the wines to come from the vintage are looking to be outstanding. Many winemakers are comparing the 2002 vintage with those of 1990 and 1998.’
Flavour is the strong point of the vintage and intense flavours are evident in most varieties, according to Paul Zerella of Banksia Wines. The 2001–2002 summer was South Australia’s coolest on record and allowed for a cooler ripening period for all varieties, meaning flavour ripeness was gained at high sugar levels while good natural acidity was maintained.
Kevin O’Brien of Kangarilla Road Winery said the region had not seen Shiraz like it in recent history. The wines have great colour, structured tannins and the flavours and natural acidity make for well-balanced wines, some of the best ever seen in McLaren Vale. The Chardonnays and Sauvignon Blancs will be more aromatic than wines from warmer vintages. The miracle of the long, dry autumn meant conditions were ideal for late ripening varieties like Grenache which is exhibiting intense colours and can be compared with some of the best vintages.