South Africa Vintages Flashcards
2015
One of the earliest harvests ever. Too early to assess quality.
2014
A challenging vintage beset by rain. Coastal regions fared better than most, but overall the expectations for quality are not high.
2013
A wet winter and warm summer. Humidity threatened rot during the harvest, but producers with the strongest nerve successfully waited for dryer conditions. Reds are particularly promising.
2012
Below average yields, but good quality fruit thanks to a dry, easy harvest period.
2011
Drought, resulting in reduced yields and particular concentration in reds. Not an auspicious vintage.
2010
Cool and dry in spring until a very wet November. December was dry again, and warm too, allowing for good late ripening. Mildew was a problem in many areas, so quality is variable.
2009
Universal acclaim across all varieties.
2008
Lighter than average wines, thanks to an especially cool growing season. Not an easy vintage, but the slow ripening process led to elegant examples from the best producers.
2007
Ripe and rich, favouring Rhône varieties in particular.
2006
Started coolly, meaning small berries with thick skins that led to great concentration. A strong vintage.
2005
Undistinguished, with reds slightly more favoured than whites.
2004
Cooler conditions than the norm, making for more restrained styles in both reds and whites.
2003
Temperatures several degrees below the average, with the best results coming from the earlier ripening varieties.
2002
Rain in abundance, leading to plentiful rot. Not a good vintage.
2001
Continued the run of hot vintages, and produced a very small harvest of concentrated reds. Tannins were generally softer than in 2000.
