Eden Valley – 1999
The latter part of spring led into one of the hottest summers on record, with virtually no rain. The drought conditions resulted in smaller berry size producing spicy, dark intense reds. Tropical cyclones Elaine and Vance brought unseasonal rains in mid March, causing widespread botrytis problems requiring careful handpicking. 1999 proved to be another challenging vintage for Eden Valley although the final quality results made it worthwhile.
The weather conditions during the 1999 vintage, in the cool climate of the Eden Valley area, allowed for the natural development of noble rot. The botrytis riesling was picked in mid May at 46% sugar. The resultant wine has a natural residual sweetness of 21%, and intense complex varietal bouquet and flavour.