Coonawarra

2002 Coonawarra Vintage Report

The spring of 2001 and the summer of 01/02 was one of the coldest in recent history with the dry, cool and occasionally windy conditions resulting in very low yields. The small crop was partially caused by climatic factors and partially by a conscious decision to reduce yields in many vineyards in Coonawarra. The decision to lower yields was fortuitous with careful canopy management, and the lower yields allowing the crop to ripen perfectly and produce high quality fruit that might otherwise have proved difficult in the '02 conditions.

The principle white wine varieties of chardonnay and riesling responded well to the conditions. White wines with refined aromatics and elegant flavours were produced with Wynns Coonawarra Estate Winemaker Sue Hodder describing the 2002 Wynns Coonawarra Estate Riesling as "the best in many years". A highlight of these wines is the fine citrus fruit combined with characteristically soft Coonawarra acid.

Reds were also elegant, reflecting the cooler year. Again the low crop levels augured well for even ripening and some excellent wines with fine structures have been made.

Sue Hodder reports that "the best Cabernet blocks were those around the winery and, whilst this year they had tiny yields, the fruit has incredible intensity. The southern vineyards are finer, with lifted fragrant violet aromas, and a couple of silky, classic cool climate shiraz parcels have been put aside as Wynns Coonawarra Estate Michael contenders."

Lindemans winemaker Greg Clayfield believes that the cooler year was ideal for merlot with a spicy, finely structured parcel of merlot providing much promise to the 2002 Lindemans Pyrus. Greg also states "an excellent peppery Limestone Ridge will be produced but on a less welcome note, the Lindemans St. George Vineyard had the lowest yield on record".