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2008 vintage report for Wrattonbully (South Australia)

By Peter Bird
Regional Viticulture Manager – Limestone Coast
On behalf of the Wrattonbully wine region

In contrast to the previous year, this season started with excellent budburst and strong early growth, a few frosts that had localised impact and otherwise fine conditions.

Warm to hot weather and one key rain event dominated the period to Christmas, meaning excellent fruitset and shoot growth. Extreme heat was experienced for the month of January, followed by a coolish February, and a very hot March. April was mild with a slight improvement in rainfall.

The spring conditions were cold with some frosts, but different in that we had rain through October and November, providing a buffer against intense cold periods. Only three severe frosts were recorded that caused economic damage of an intermittent nature across the region

Vineyards (in the main) responded well in the spring, with excellent budburst and spring conditions conducive to strong growth. A good rain in November set the season alight, delaying irrigation and promoting excellent shoot length. The hot January and cool February saw early vintage varieties begin on time with the later red varieties ready to be picked early in March, up to four weeks in advance of normal picking times. This effectively compressed the vintage from 12 to six weeks, creating many logistical challenges – the level rarely experienced before.

Deficiency symptoms were few, but fungal disease pressure was high with powdery mildew prevalent and the November rain created a downy event. Lightbrown apple moth activity was limited while vine moth was active late in the vintage but not problematic at all.

In total, approximately 25,000t were crushed this year, which is almost exactly the region’s targeted tonnage across all varieties. No fruit was left unsold this year.

Early reports are that this vintage has been strong across all varieties, with notable highlights reported from all producers and few disappointments.