THE completion of the 2018 vintage has been labelled a success, but not without winemakers facing significant challenges throughout the year as they battled unusual and devastating weather conditions.
A black frost on November 4 damaged vines throughout the Limestone Coast and reduced yields in some of the northern vineyards of Coonawarra.
Limestone Coast Grape and Wine Council chairman Peter Bissell said some vineyards in Coonawarra were down by 70pc this year.
“Getting a frost in November is the worst time because the vines are at their most sensitive,” Mr Bissell said.
“Earlier in September is normally when we do get frost and as the vines have buds just coming out, they can can resist a certain amount of frost.”
Mr Bissell estimated the Limestone Coast vineyards on a whole would be down by approximately 40pc.
“We should have some exact numbers next month,” he said.
October through to December saw temperatures reach two degrees higher than average which advanced flowering by three days compared to regional long-term phenology.
“It was an exceptionally dry year, the driest we have had in some time, we had to do a lot of extra irrigation to keep the vines hydrated through the year,” Mr Bissell said.
However, Mr Bissell said the vines held on well with the extra water and in February things began to cool down.
“We ended up picking slightly earlier than on average,” he said.
Coonawarra Grape and Wine Incorporated Winemakers president Pete Balnaves said the flowering to fruit set period was quick, which assisted with good berry numbers.
“The grape quality looks pretty good this year with whites producing a good flavour and the reds looking strong,” Mr Balnaves said.
“We are happy with the array of wines produced.”
He said the cabernet sauvignon was showing a deep, dark colour with intense fruit character and soft ripe tannins and the shiraz presented a deep colour and rich ripe fruit with excellent structure.
White wines were also showing a good balance.
“This is great news as the demand for fruit in the region is high, particularly in cabernet – the variety that makes up 65pc of the regions plantings,” Mr Balnaves said.
A post vintage tasting will be held today at the Coonawarra Hall, where winemakers will bring a sample of their wines for others to taste.
This is where wineries will get a view of the overall vintage.
