I came across an article describing the effects of recent heat in Padthaway (Australia) wine quality.

The last sentence is quite interesting:  “and the heat damage to the grapes means 2009 will not be one of the great years for wine quality.”   This and other recent readings suggest that a wine quality index must include some sort of indication of excessive heat days.     More of this will be discussed in a follow up article to “Chateau Montelena, Climate, and Wine Quality.”