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2008 vintage report for Robe (South Australia)

By Mick Quinlan-Watson
President
Robe Grape Growers’ Association

The yields for most vineyards were close to the long-term average, bringing welcome relief after the low yields in 2007. The impact of the isolated frost damage that occurred early in the season was not as bad as first thought and significantly less than 2007. The dry conditions throughout the growing season resulted in low disease pressure. The growing season was warmer than average, with February being the only exception with below average temperatures. The whites benefited greatly from the cooler-than-average February temperatures and developed powerful yet elegant fruit characters with a fine crisp line of acid through the palate. The majority of the whites were also harvested before the hot conditions in March. The cooling influence of the strong maritime climate, good water resources and careful irrigation management played an important role through the hot conditions in early March. This allowed good, functional canopies to be maintained until harvest. The reds are showing great depth of colour, distinct varietal aromas and fresh vibrant fruit flavour. Cabernet Sauvignon is the strongest performer from the region in 2008 with classic blackcurrant, mint and tobacco characters.