A dry winter and growing season was challenging for vines in the Cape wine regions Old vines, likes these for Alheit winery, fared better in a dry year in the Cape wine regions.
South African vintners dealt with an extremely dry growing season in 2017, resulting in a small crop.
Both vintages made very concentrated wine, just different in nature."
"Nighttime temperatures were cooler and this resulted in higher acid retention," said Adam Mason, winemaker at Mulderbosch.
"We had to start irrigation in December before veraison.
The cooler days and nights resulted in slower sugar accumulation but the phenolics kept developing.
It was unique to see phenolic ripeness at lower sugar levels."
"The old vines were fabulous this year.
The crops were decent and the fruit very healthy and flavorful."
In the end, the producers say the wines are showing ripeness and concentration.

Warmer, drier winter raises concern over lingering drought impact on Northeast’s 2017 growing season.
Days and days of clear winter skies, much warmer-than-normal winter temperatures and scant snowpack accumulation do not bode well for the coming Northeast growing season – especially with drought conditions impacting parts of the region for nearly two years.
That’s the bottom-line summary of data from the U.S. Drought Monitor as of early March.
But will that drought pattern continue to hang over the Northeast this year?
Only time will tell.
“But much warmer-than-normal temperatures rapidly melted a significant amount of New England snowpack.
That deadline is March 15 for corn, soybeans and other spring-planted crops.
• Weigh reducing corn populations to reduce plant moisture stress on more drought-susceptible soils.
• Consider planting soybeans; yes, even in New England.
The best advice is saved for last: Talk with the smartest crop consultant you know about reducing your crop risks.