 2000
Vintage Report
Your Worldwide Guide for Vintage 2000 Part 1
By Jens Strecker
Welcome to an overview of the first vintage of
the millennium. In a three part series, we will visit the
vineyards of the Southern Hemisphere, Europe and North America,
reviewing the weather and other impacts on the vineyards of the
focus area in 2000 and discussing what the 2000 vintage from this
region has to offer.
Part 1 – Vintage 2000 from the Southern
Hemisphere
New Zealand
The vintage 2000 growing season was very similar to the fine 1997
vintage with cooler summer temperatures and a warm, dry autumn,
which was ideal for ripening grapes. The grapes have excellent
levels of natural acidity and low pHs, a classic cool climate
vintage after two warm vintages (1998 and 1999). The vintage 2000
wines show good complexity and elegance and will age well.
Look for Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs, Rieslings and Chardonnays
and for Pinot Noirs from Martinborough and Central Otago.
Australia
The Hunter Valley had one of the best vintages ever. Winter rain and
a warm, but not to hot summer, resulted in grapes with excellent
fruit flavors and acidity. The Shiraz from that region is especially
worth searching for.
The quality of the grapes from the Coonawarra region should also
be exceptional, especially the Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes,
which had warmer than usual summer temperatures.
The Barossa Valley had a winter drought and cool temperatures. At
the end of February a storm dumped almost 4 inches of rain in three
days on some parts of the Barossa Valley, This was bad for the white
varieties but benefited the more late ripening Shiraz and Cabernet
Sauvignon grapes.
South Africa
The dry hot summer followed a dry winter and a warmer than usual
spring resulted in higher sugar levels and lower acidity in the
grapes of this area. This effected Sauvignon Blancs and Chenin
Blancs, but not Chardonnays. The red varieties, Pinotage, Cabernet
Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz profited from the climate conditions
and show intense aromas and powerful fruit flavors. Watch out for
new plantings of Nebbiolo and Sangiovese.
Argentina
The 2000 vintage is not as strong a year as 1999. The reason for
this is a colder than normal winter, spring frosts, cool
temperatures and rains in the early stages of harvest. The white
wines run the risk of delivering green, under-ripe flavors. The reds
however offer a different style of wine. The red grapes throughout
the country were harvested two weeks later than usual (mid April),
resulting in harmonious tannins and a better acid-to-sugar-balance.
The result: mellower reds worth exploring.
Chile
February and March had a heavier than normal rainfall that resulted
in a mediocre vintage, especially for white varieties which won’t
have the concentration and the fruit character from the previous
vintage.
Jens Top Picks:
Vavasour Sauvignon Blanc 2000 (Marlborough, New Zealand) $14
A Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand made by winemaker
Glen Thomas. The grapes are grown on limestone hillsides with
volcanic sub-soils. Well-structured wine with intense aromas of
citrus, lime, under-ripe tropical fruit, gooseberries and passion
fruit with some herbal notes. Finish is long and succulent.
Vidal Estate Chardonnay 2000 (Hawkes Bay, New Zealand) $15
This white is soft and appealing for its lovely pear, nectarin and
lime flavors with floral aromas, which linger on the lively finish.
Well rounded choice at a feel-good price!
Hope Estate Shiraz 2000 (Hunter Valley, Australia) $15
A stylish wine with elegance and grace with minty blackberry, plum
and spicy berry flavors. Just delicious, and the tannins are
superrefined through the long finish.
Casa Julia Merlot 2000 (Colchagua Valley, Chile) $12
Sandwiched in between the Pacific and the Andes, Chile’s Colchagua
Valley reaps the double benefits of a sheltered climate that is not
too hot and not too dry. Blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec,
this Merlot shows lovely cassis, plum and blackberry flavors on a
fine-grained frame with hints of coffee and minerals. Unbelievable
silky texture and smooth finish.
D. Bosler Pinot Noir 2000 (Casablanca Valley, Chile) $12.50
Casablanca Valley’s maritime climate is mostly affected by sunny
days combined cool ocean breezes, which provide a long growing
season and milder, softer wines. This Pinot Noir has vibrant black
cherry and blueberry flavors with some raspberry notes and a
delicate texture. Finishes with a spicy, minty aftertaste.
Bodegas Escorihuela Sangiovese Don Miguel Gascon 2000
(Mendoza, Argentina) $10
Bold red and black cherry flavors with a touch of toast and sweet
smoke. Light tannins on the finish. A great food wine with great
acid/fruit balance. This is one red that won’t have you sleeping
halfway through your spaghetti, but will keep you looking forward to
your next sip.
Helderberg Shiraz 2000 (Stellenbosch, South Afica) $10
The grapes were sourced from selected vineyards in both the Paarl
and Stellenbosch regions. The grapes are grown on granite, sandstone
with sandy topsoils and clay subsoils. The climate is very
Mediterranean, with wet winters and hot, dry summers. It’s young,
fresh fruit aromas of red cherries, plum and blackberries with hints
of leather and tobacco as well as a touch of spice make for a
delicious sipping wine. Great complexity and well-balanced tannins. |
