Vintage Information

2002 Vintage Report - Barossa Valley

During the months of October and November, temperatures remained 2 ˆ 3°C below average with average to above average rainfall. The cooler temperatures and wet soils retarded vine growth in some varieties and locations through these months and also extended the flowering period into December.

Through December, vine growth and bunch development continued to be very slow, as December temperatures remained approximately 3°C below the average with only a few days of 30°C occurring. Rainfall for December was almost half that of the average amount.

In keeping with the rest of the phenological stages, veraison was behind that of season 2000/2001. Veraison occurred unevenly throughout many blocks as well as throughout bunches, with some bunches having both coloured and very green berries. Rainfall in January 2002 was again above average and temperatures slightly below average.

The seasonal conditions from November through February were conducive to powdery mildew, while rainfall events during the flowering period increased Botrytis spore loads in the bunches.

February and March saw a change in weather conditions (low rainfall levels with warm days and cool nights). This weather provided good ripening conditions and allowed good flavour and colour to develop in red grape varieties. These weather conditions ensued white grape varieties had higher than normal acid retention and delicate flavours.

Due to cool soil temperatures around budburst and poor conditions during set, overall crop levels were lower than average except in Semillon. Shiraz crops were 20-30% below average while Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache crops were only slightly below average.

Given the lateness of the season in relation to 2000/2001 and the cooler conditions, the resulting red wines reveal intense colours and well developed middle palates, while the white wines display elegance with distinctive fruit characters.