Coonawarra

2007 Coonawarra Vintage Report

• An extremely cold winter and the worst October frosts on record threatened the crop.
• A warm and dry spring promoted good flowering conditions.
• Above average temperatures and below average rainfall from February to April initiated an early vintage.

During winter, low rainfall, only 89mm, and clear skies made for extremely cold weather. Most blocks experienced good bud fruitfulness and average pruning levels were applied.

Low rainfall in spring, only 67mm, combined with clear skies resulted in the worst October frosts on record. Temperatures dropped as low as -4.5°C, threatening serious fruit loss in non-protected vineyards. Fortunately frost protection sprinklers fitted to approximately half of the Coonwarra vineyards very effectively saved the crop and canopy health. Achieving adequate shoot length and maintaining leaf condition was very challenging with drought and frosty conditions requiring irrigation and additional nutritional programmes to be implemented in the vineyards.

The October to April growing season was the second hottest of the last 15 years. The 2007 heat degree day summary was 1,658 compared to the 15 year average of 1,407. Flowering conditions were favourable with a warm and dry November experiencing above average temperatures.

December conditions were mild and dry with January the only wet month for the entire June to April period. 100mm of rain just before veraison provided a welcome boost to vine health and berry size.

February, March and April were all drier and warmer than normal which alleviated any fungal disease concerns and initiated an early vintage. Despite the difficulties associated with highly variable yields and the split picking of frosted blocks, to optimise the fruit quality by excluding the second crop, the harvest progressed well producing good parcels of well structured young red wines.