Coonawarra

2001 Coonawarra Vintage Report

Good winter rains gave Coonawarra a very good start to the season. Fruit set was excellent across all varieties, and careful vineyard management including 'green harvesting' to remove heavy crops aided in controlling yields. March rainfall delayed the harvest, but April and May were fine and mild and the fruit was picked in good condition.

Whites have good flavours, but are perhaps lacking intensity. The reds fared well, particularly off the lower-cropped vineyards, with some excellent, fleshy wines at the top end. Others achieved good colours and tannin levels, with lighter flavour and body.

Sue Hodder from Wynns Coonawarra Estate says that shiraz fortunately developed ripe, fragrant characters earlier in ripening than usual. She said, "Cabernet sauvignon is soft and varietal with ripe berry flavours. We have some interesting and complex parcels of fruit in reserve for both Michael Shiraz and John Riddoch Cabernet Sauvignon."

Paul Gordon is enthusiastic about the Lindemans wines. "Cabernet is quite strong. We have the largest potential make of Lindemans St George for several years and plenty of Lindemans Pyrus. I think the St George is like the '94, (another great year in Coonawarra)." Limestone Ridge has some very good parcels of shiraz, but the quantity is less than usual. The heat affected pinot noir vines, but careful selection found pinot that shows balance and finesse for inclusion in Rosemount Diamond Label Pinot Noir.