Compiled and written by Romi BoomSTELLENBOSCH Production trendsThe crop is currently estimated at about 112 200 tons, which is 45.72% bigger than in 2002. All cultivars, Merlot, Pinotage and Chardonnay in particular, produced much bigger crops, with the exception of Sauvignon blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon, the latter being subject to rot in late ripening blocks. Climatic conditions and influence on vine growth The 2002 post-harvest period was characterised by high temperatures. May 2002 was particularly cold, with high rainfall. The spring of the 2002 growing season was cool with low rainfall and good budding occurred.The chilly spring and cool soils resulted in uneven shoot growth, causing uneven ripening in certain cultivars. November temperatures were below average, causing uneven flowering and set in late cultivars. December was particularly hot and strong shoot growth occurred. However, the average temperature for the four months December to March 2003 was 21,34°C, compared to 27,67°C for the same period last year. Radiation during October was lower than usual with a lot more cloudy days. This, combined with the cooler ripening season and drier summer, resulted in smaller berries.In January and February, the latter with the exception of a short heatwave, temperatures were cool, with hardly any rainfall. By mid-February, drought symptoms were already prevalent in certain dryland vineyards. Dry conditions kept rot and mildew at bay.Although ripening and harvest temperatures were cool, above-average rainfall occurred towards the end of March. The rain, combined with dewy nights, caused Botrytis and rot in various cultivars, especially late Cabernet Sauvignon. In most cases, however, the March rains provided the extra time needed for the grapes to ripen sufficiently in the vineyards.Grape and wine qualityFlavours are good and quality-wise, 2003 may be considered a good year, except for the variable quality of late ripening Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. Smaller berries, with excellent skin to pulp ratios, gave good colour to this year's reds. However, the smaller berry set has resulted in a drop in the average recovery per ton from 750 - 800 litres to around 700 - 750 litres.The ripening of all cultivars was slow and evenly distributed due to the cooler ripening climate. In most cases sugars reached the ideal, with high acids and pHs, probably due to the presence of malic acid. Issued by: Yvette van der Merwe, Manager: Information Services - SAWIS (S A Wine Industry Information & Systems)Tel: +27 (0) 21 807-5719Email: yvette@sawis.co.za Web: www.sawis.co.za