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2009 vintage report for Coonawarra (South Australia)

Contributed by Michelle Stehbens, president, Coonawarra Vignerons Association and Stuart Sharman, president, Coonawarra Grapegrowers Association

Growing season: Winter rainfall in 2008 was average giving good soil moisture levels for budburst in early spring. Conditions during spring were dry with minimal frost and no disease pressures allowing for excellent vine canopy development.

Prolonged flowering due to cloud and wind during November caused a noticeable decrease in fruitset in Cabernet Sauvigon and a corresponding drop in cropping levels. The vines’ resilience was tested in January with four consecutive days of record hot temperatures, however, the healthy canopies shielded most varieties from any major damage. Vintage temperatures were slightly below average providing a long, slow ripening period for the reds.

Vintage: The 2009 vintage commenced later than recent years as a consequence of close-to-average temperatures during the growing season. The harvest started in mid-March and did not finish until early May, with winemakers keen to allow the grapes to hang on the vines to optimise colour, flavour and tannin development.

Yields and quality: Wines are showing great promise with intense varietal characters, deep colours and soft tannins. The white wines are showing excellent flavour profiles at lower alcohols. The reds are characterised by deep rich colours with Cabernet Sauvignon exhibiting good structure and varietal character and Shiraz showing rich peppery aromas and flavours. Merlots are exhibiting deep broody aromas and full body this season.