By James Atkinson
Margaret River wineries are confident that 2014 will be an outstanding vintage, continuing the region's remarkable run of form.
Starting in 2007, every consecutive Margaret River vintage has been declared either 'very good' or 'outstanding' by Langton's.
"As good as we've ever seen it" was the overwhelming sentiment expressed by winemakers commenting on 2014, when TheShout was in Margaret River late last week.
Margaret River Wine Association CEO Nick Power today said the 2014 vintage had been built on a "truly sound foundation" with excellent rainfall providing a solid platform of sub-soil moisture before almost completely stopping from December through to present.
"There has been minimal rainfall reported in the Summer period very much less than the average of four per cent so the region is truly in a ‘classic’ Margaret River weather pattern at present," he said.
"Similar conditions to these were seen in 1994, 1995, 1996, 2001, 2004 and 2010 that all went onto be considered and reported upon as being very good to outstanding Margaret River vintages."
A successful white wine vintage has all but been completed, and Power said milder Autumn conditions are now prevailing, which will be ideal for the region's reds.
"This is perfect for Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaret River enabling full physiological development especially in concentrating its flavour spectrum and in softening tannin levels naturally."