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2008 vintage report for Mudgee (New South Wales)

By Rosie Dorney
Chair of viticulture sub-committee
Mudgee Wine Grape Growers’ Association Inc.

The 2008 vintage was a challenging one in Mudgee, but not in the way that was expected at pruning time 12 months ago. Availability of irrigation water was the major concern early in the season, but frequent rain from mid-October meant little irrigation was required. The heavy rain and cool temperatures also created many disease problems in the region, with downy mildew and powdery mildew prevalent early on, and then botrytis as fruit ripened.

Bud fruitfulness was up on most varieties (significantly so in Shiraz) and the plentiful soil moisture saw bunch weights climb well above average, resulting in massive yield forecasts prior to vintage. Unfavourable weather conditions, along with a late lightbrown apple moth invasion (something not seen in the district for years), saw serious losses of fruit as sugar levels developed.

Harvest began in late January, and the bulk of fruit was harvested by late March, which is an average start time, but an early finish. Early whites faired okay and most Merlot was picked soundly, but Chardonnay and Shiraz were drastically affected, and much was not picked.

Overall, tonnes into wineries were below average, and certainly way below forecasts prior to the vintage rain.

A difficult and disappointing year, but growers are looking to a more positive 2009 vintage.