As the last of Australia's Cool Climate wine producers rack their reds to barrel for maturation, the dust of another vintage finally starts to settle. And what an extraordinary year it has been for Australian Winemakers. The Hunter Valley, generally the first region to start processing, was devastated by massive amounts of rain, and exceptionally cool summer conditions. While the Semillons, Verdelhos and Chardonnays are looking fantastic, many producers (WVE included) did not pick any reds.

In contrast, when it was South Australia's turn to pick, a vine-shattering heat wave arrived, and stayed in the region for two weeks. The heat wave sent sugar levels skyrocketing as wineries struggled to cope with an entire vintage compressed from 8 weeks into 2. Those fortunate enough to have picked before the heat are raving about reds with great flavour and balance. However, don't be surprised to find many 2008 reds from SA with alcohol levels in excess of 16%. On the other side of the country, early season hail did little to hold back Margaret River winemakers. Cooler than average summer conditions allowed for an extended ripening period resulting in intense flavours and high levels of natural acid. By all accounts, for those not devastated by the hail, the Margaret River Cabernets and Semillon / Sauvignon Blanc blends are of very high quality.

Many Winemaker's are amazed at the extreme diversity of vintage conditions experienced across Australia this year. What will this mean for consumers? I believe their will be outstanding wines produced from all regions, the trick will be knowing which varieties and producers thrived, and which suffered at the hands of Mother Nature!