Since 1970, Skillogalee has produced wines that reflect the character of our high-elevation vineyards and the landscape of Spring Gully. Crafted in small batches, each wine speaks to the individuality of site and season.
Explore our collection of Clare Valley wines.
Clare Valley Vintage Reports
For more than five decades, Skillogalee has worked among the steep slopes of Spring Gully, shaping an intimate understanding of how season and site define Clare Valley wines.
2025 Vintage Report
The 2025 vintage in the Clare Valley was shaped by historically low rainfall and consistently warm, dry conditions, resulting in one of the earliest harvests on record, if not the earliest. While the season presented challenges across the region, particularly in terms of yield, the overall quality of fruit — especially for Riesling — has been reported as exceptional.
A significant frost event in late September affected some vineyards, reducing yield potential in certain sites. However, many blocks experienced a strong secondary budburst, which helped maintain canopy health and contributed to concentrated, high-quality fruit. Summer remained dry and warm across the region, with minimal rainfall leading to early ripening and a compressed harvest window.
White varieties, particularly Riesling, were picked as early as January in some parts of the valley, showing bright natural acidity and intense flavour development. Red varieties followed through February and into early March. While yields were well below average due to the dry conditions and localised frost impact, the 2025 vintage is expected to produce wines of purity, structure and strong ageing potential, with Riesling again standing out as a regional highlight.
2024 Vintage Report
The 2024 vintage in Clare Valley has been marked by a season of both challenges and triumphs, culminating in wines characterised by freshness, vibrancy, and intense flavour profiles. The year commenced with a relatively dry winter and early spring, which prompted an early budburst and flowering. This was followed by a wet period that lasted until Christmas, effectively replenishing soil moisture levels in preparation for the dry conditions of summer and autumn. These ideal ripening conditions, coupled with low disease pressure, set the stage for a promising harvest.
Riesling grapes ripened relatively early, showcasing classic restraint and varietal precision. The red varieties, on the other hand, enjoyed extended hang time, which is expected to reflect positively in their complexity and flavour depth. However, the season was not without its challenges. An unexpected frost event in October posed a significant risk, and overall yields were notably lower compared to previous years.
The weather in January typified Clare Valley’s ideal conditions with pleasant temperatures and slightly below-average rainfall, followed by an exceptionally dry February with mild weather and no recorded rainfall. This consistent weather pattern contributed to a ‘fast vintage’, allowing for most grape varieties to be harvested swiftly and uniformly by the end of February. Despite the reduced yields, the quality of the 2024 vintage looks excellent.
2023 Vintage Report
The 2023 vintage in Clare Valley was characterised by astute vineyard management and keen weather monitoring. Following the most substantial winter-spring precipitation since 2016, a postponed budburst and restrained spring growth marked the season’s onset. December saw the commencement of flowering, paving the way for a March harvesting period. Despite the presence of challenges, including heightened moisture levels and sporadic hail events heightening disease risk, a notably dry spell from Christmas to March facilitated an excellent Riesling harvest. These wines showcased remarkable flavour maturity alongside harmonious acidity.
April showers posed a challenge for the harvesting of red varietals, augmenting the risk of late-season afflictions such as Botrytis. Nevertheless, through judicious vineyard practices, vintners concentrated on harvesting premium fruit clusters, particularly of Cabernet Sauvignon. The protracted maturation period endowed the reds with nuanced flavours and a refined style, further cementing Clare Valley’s standing as a producer of distinguished wines.
2022 Vintage Report
The 2022 vintage in Clare Valley showcased consistently high quality across red and white varieties, accompanied by strong yields. Cool and dry weather during summer and early autumn provided ideal ripening conditions, resulting in fruit with excellent natural acidity and full varietal flavours. Winemakers are particularly excited about the exceptional quality of Riesling, coinciding with the region’s celebration of the 21st anniversary of the screw cap closure, pioneered in Clare Valley. Red varieties, especially Cabernet Sauvignon, also displayed a remarkable combination of quality and yield not seen in recent years.
The season began with a dry and cool autumn, followed by good winter rains and above-average spring rainfall, ensuring sufficient soil moisture during the growing season. While a cool spring and summer caused a delayed start to the vintage, it allowed for optimal flavour ripeness before harvesting, avoiding capacity constraints. Some isolated frost damage and poor fruit set occurred, but the region was fortunate to escape fire and hail damage.
2021 Vintage Report
2020 Vintage Report
The 2020 vintage in the Clare Valley presented challenges due to below-average winter rainfall and dry conditions throughout the growing season. However, Riesling once again displayed its resilience, maintaining good yields despite the tough environment. Spring recorded lower-than-average rainfall, necessitating irrigation to meet the vines’ water requirements. High maximum temperatures in spring and a hot day in November affected fruit set and resulted in an extremely low-yielding harvest. Riesling yields were down only 15-30%, while red varieties like Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon experienced lower yields of 40-80%. Milder temperatures in the New Year provided ideal ripening conditions for flavour development. The Clare Valley was fortunate to avoid fires, and the region’s wines, particularly the flavourful whites and intense reds, showcased sub-regional character. Despite the lower yields, good vine health and canopy management led to excellent quality fruit. Vintage progressed smoothly, with the bulk of the harvest completed by the end of March.
2019 Vintage Report
The 2019 vintage in the Clare Valley showcased the region’s resilience in the face of drought conditions, resulting in lower yields but high-quality fruit. Winter and spring saw lower rainfall, leading to smaller canopies and berries, which enhanced the quality of Shiraz, Riesling, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Frost and hail events caused yield losses in some vineyards, but overall estimates suggest limited reductions of 30-40% in well-managed vineyards. Despite extreme weather conditions, including record-low spring temperatures and record-high summer temperatures, the grapes displayed resilience. Whites retained good acidity, while reds exhibited excellent colour and varietal intensity. Riesling stood out with yields only slightly lower than expected, highlighting its resilience. Red varieties like Sangiovese, Grenache, Merlot, and Mourvedre showed good yields and quality, with strong colours. Though Shiraz and Cabernet yields were more affected, the quality remained strong.
2018 Vintage Report
2017 Vintage Report
2016 Vintage Report
2015 Vintage Report
2014 Vintage Report
2013 Vintage Report
2012 Vintage Report
2011 Vintage Report
2010 Vintage Report
2009 Vintage Report
The 2009 vintage in the Clare Valley was characterised by a near perfect combination of climate and weather conditions. The growing season started with high soil moisture levels due to rains in August 2008, leading to strong initial vine growth. Timely rain in early December was beneficial for flowering and crop level estimation, which predicted average yields. A heatwave in late January caused vines to temporarily shut down, with strong canopies protecting the fruit. Fortunately, this was followed by ideal ripening conditions featuring mild days and cool nights. This allowed for even veraison and moderate sugar accumulation in the berries, with the overall season being the coolest since 2005. Harvesting was unhurried, beginning in late February and concluding in May. The wines from this vintage displayed vibrant fruit flavours, with Riesling performing exceptionally well. Notably, Cabernet Sauvignon was the standout variety, benefiting from the prolonged mild conditions that allowed it ample time for flavour development.
2008 Vintage Report
2007 Vintage Report
2006 Vintage Report
2005 Vintage Report
The 2005 vintage in the Clare Valley is regarded as one of the finest in the past decade. After an unusually warm October, the season produced near-perfect conditions with below-average temperatures in January and February, followed by a warm, dry autumn. The vintage had only one day in summer over the old century mark. Despite minor damage from a November frost event and February hail, vintage proceeded smoothly and rapidly once started. Unusual ripening order led to logistical issues, with some wineries having their most compact and intense vintage yet. White varieties, particularly Riesling, had above-average yields with excellent varietal purity and high natural acid levels. The reds, especially Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, were among the best in years, although Cabernet yields were lower than usual. The ideal conditions of the season are reflected in the high quality of the wines.
2004 Vintage Report
2003 Vintage Report
2002 Vintage Report
2001 Vintage Report
The 2001 vintage in Clare Valley was positively received, leading to both satisfaction and anticipation for the wines produced. Yields were above the previous year and on par with district averages. Riesling and Shiraz were standout varieties, producing exceptionally high-quality wines, with many reports also praising Cabernet Sauvignon and Semillon. The vintage started early for most wineries, making for a busy, extended period. Despite a year of lower acidity and higher pH levels, the desired wine specifications were generally met. Intense heat in January and February was well managed due to previous good rainfall and effective irrigation. This vintage’s unique feature was the unusual ripening order, causing some logistical challenges. Riesling showed resilience against harsh weather, resulting in intensely flavourful and aromatic wines. Red varieties also fared well, showing deep colour, rich flavours, and mature tannins. The positive correlation between quality and lower yields was notable for Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.
2000 Vintage Report
1999 Vintage Report
The 1999 vintage in Clare Valley presented challenges, but winemakers remained optimistic about the quality of wines and juices. Red wines were particularly praised, with many winemakers comparing them favourably to the excellent 1998 reds. The reds displayed remarkable colour, excellent flavours, and tannins. White wines, especially Riesling, received positive comments, although there was some variation of opinion. The onset of rain and botrytis outbreak led to earlier picking, helping to avoid significant problems. Some vineyards experienced good botrytis infections in Riesling and Semillon, resulting in high-quality dessert wines being made. Overall, tonnages were lower than in 1998, but there were variations, with some varieties even showing increased yields. Disease-related losses were minimal, with lower tonnages primarily attributed to the early dryness of the season. Rain was generally seen as beneficial for the reds, and vineyards with good viticultural practices and moderate crops encountered few issues.
1998 Vintage Report
The 1998 vintage in the Clare Valley began with the driest July since 1982, but improved conditions followed. August and September brought much-needed run-off, restoring soil moisture and dams to normal levels. In October, the region experienced dry weather until the end when 111 mm of rain fell, surpassing the long-term average. Vineyard managers were pleased with the start of the season, describing it as a very good year with exceptional early season growth. Clare Valley received timely rain throughout the summer, except for a dry January, and the harvest took place under ideal and mild March weather. The Rieslings exhibited bold and full flavours, though they may have lacked delicacy, offering lime and apple fruit characteristics suitable for shorter-term enjoyment. Semillon was also successful, but Chardonnay disappointed. Among the reds, Shiraz stood out as the highlight. Young vines produced high-quality fruit for the reds, displaying rich colours and abundant natural tannins. While Riesling performed well initially, warmer weather later in the season resulted in some fruit being burned, leading to a slightly lower quality.