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2008 vintage report for Swan Valley (Western Australia)

By Anthony Kosovich
President
Swan Valley and Regional Winemakers’ Association

The 2007-08 vintage was characterised by above average winter rains and a few late spring falls. Average spring temperatures resulted in a timely budburst and excellent vine growth. Above average temperatures in January and a heatwave on Boxing Day (45.5°C) resulted in berry shrivel on some varieties. There was a little rainfall during the summer period, and although there were some humid days, all fruit was disease free. The high summer temperatures and warm evenings meant fruit ripened earlier than previous years, with good flavour, but slightly lower acidity.

Harvest started in late January and finished by the end of March, by which time all fruit had been harvested except fruit intended for fortified wines, which succeeded in attaining good sugar levels.

Most pleasing for Swan Valley winemakers were both white and red wines characterised by full flavours, with reds having excellent colour and tannins. Particularly impressive was the quality of Verdelho and Shiraz. Base wines for fortified styles displayed excellent fruit character and achieved the high Baumé levels expected.

Overall, the quality of fruit was good, but most producers found themselves 20-30% down in terms of crop level. All fruit was sold without any problems for good, fair rates for the varieties.