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2008 vintage report for Pyrenees (Victoria)

By Pyrenees Grapegrowers & Winemakers’ Association

Like much of Australia, the 2008 grape harvest in the Pyrenees was early and compressed compared with historical averages. However, for those who did not run out of water it was a welcome return to above average tonnages and quality.

Average autumn and winter rains during 2007 recharged the soil and provided valuable run-off for water storages after a long dry spell starting in early 2006. This was followed by a cool, dry spring and then some superbly-timed summer rainfalls in November, December and January. From a viticultural point of view such rains at flowering, set and veraison mean the difference between below average and above average vine health and resultant crop levels. The majority of the growing season was certainly cool, until the onset of central and western Victoria’s customary latent summer heat in March, which saw a rapid ripening of the remaining grapes, some record high sugar levels and some loss of crop due to dehydration. Rain at Easter in late March prolonged the very end of the harvest.

Sparkling and most white wines were harvested in ideal cool nights and mornings during February 2008. These wines show the delicacy, flavour intensity and acid retention of a fine, cool growing season with little disease pressure, highlights being Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Early-harvested red wines, particularly Merlot and Shiraz, picked in late February and early March show amazingly intense colour, powerful ripe flavours and a structure that will last well beyond the norm. Later picked reds endured dehydration, then rainfall, but still managed good outcomes, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon. However, history shows these wines may not hit the heights of those picked pre-rainfall.

In summary, the 2008 grape harvest may well go down in history as one of the most difficult to manage but those that did manage and were reactive to the conditions are extremely happy with the results. The Pyrenees region, with none of the winery processing logjams reported in larger regions, was better suited to deal with the compressed harvest than many other areas of Australia.