1989 Australia

A mixed vintage across Australia. In South Australia weather conditions were cool in the first half of summer before a heatwave in March had the effect of concentrating the grapes but reducing the overall yields. The reds from the Eden and Barossa Valleys were very good but the acidity levels were on the low side, making the majority of wines unsuited to long term keeping.

A very difficult year in Victoria, with rot and under-ripe grapes resulting in very average wines. It was a reasonable year in Western Australia, although few wines have stood the test of time.