AceHighWine

The Coonawarra Vignerons and Grapegrowers are pleased to report that warm and dry ripening conditions resulted in the 2007 vintage producing good fruit quality, however the yields across all varieties were well below average.

It was a difficult growing season with severe spring frosts (which affected 60 per cent of the region), coupled with unusually dry spring and summer conditions. A drenching rainfall in early January revitalised the vines, restoring soil moisture which allowed the vines to develop flavour and colour in the grapes.

All white varieties are showing a good balance of acid and fruit with elegant fruit characters particularly Sauvignon Blanc which enjoyed the benefit of cool nights and warm days in the lead up to harvest displaying distinct varietal flavours and characteristics.

Although flowering and set was slightly uneven, berry size remained small, and combined with the dry conditions, the red varieties matured the grapes with no disease pressures. Cabernet Sauvignon with strong flavour and spicy tannins is particularly pleasing. Merlot enjoyed the seasonal conditions and ripened beautifully with soft varietal expression and exceptional colour. Shiraz with flavour ripeness developed generous rich fruit.

A low yielding vintage, with warm ripening conditions, resulted in good quality, clean fruit showing intense fruit characters with the potential for admirable quality wines.

www.coonawarra.org

From now on, I’ll be posting vintage reports from various regions (though not necessarily individual wineries unless I deem it to be of particular interest) on the site, both for posterity and interest’s sake. Those from regional wine bodies, please feel free to forward press releases regarding your part of the world to me at poker [at] acehighwine [dot] com.