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2014 vintage report for Coonawarra (South Australia)

Winter was the second wettest in the past 28 years which provided a very welcome recharge to the underground aquifer.
Coonawarra Grape and Wine Incorporated president and Wynns Coonawarra Estate regional vineyard manager Allen Jenkins said spring rainfall was high, almost double the long term average.
Flowering from late November to mid-December was cold, similar to the 2009 and 2012 vintages, and consequently fruitset was impacted.
Cabernet was the variety most affected and had moderate yields as a result.
January and early February were hot, however with good water availability the fruit was well protected by healthy canopies and heat damage was minimal.
“Cabernet Sauvignon veraison timing in the middle of February was in line with the long term average, and since then the ripening has been characterised by cool nights and warm days,” Jenkins said.
“Leaf condition has held out well for most of the season, however autumnal yellowing of older leaves was evident in early April.”
“White quality is looking very good as fruit was well protected during the early heat.”
Jenkins said Coonawarra has been fortunate to not receive any significant rain during red fruit maturation, with only 30mm falling towards the end of March.
“Overall it has been a perfect, extended, dry and mild ripening season for flavour, colour and tannin development which will deliver a classic Coonawarra vintage.”
At the time of this report (11 April), the Coonawarra wine region was only part way through harvest.