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2011 vintage report for Geographe (Western Australia)

Supplied by Jim Campbell-Clause, AHA Viticulture
Growing season: The season began with a dry winter, with rainfall 40% down on average resulting in 90% less runoff and many water storage dams at less than full capacity. This was followed by a dry spring with warm maximums and minimums, culminating in early budburst. The resultant early flowering allowed for good set. The dry spring also saw the development of smaller canopies and, in some sites, this resulted in some being very small and stunted. Summer was also warmer than average but saw two significant rainfall events drop up to 100mm in the Geographe region in January. The timing of this was excellent for veraison in whites, and also provided a boost for canopies in reds. The remainder of summer was dry.
Disease pressure was very low, with a low incidence of powdery mildew; there were no botrytis or downy mildew issues. Bird pressure was very high and losses were also sustained from kangaroos. Late-season rust mite was evident in many sites.
Fruit sales were weaker than normal. There was some interest from corporates that were on the lookout for fruit, but unfortunately too late for the Geographe region. Some removal of vines also took place within the Geographe region.
Vintage: Hot, dry conditions led to a very early harvest of whites. The conditions continued into autumn, leading to the early harvest of reds.
Yields and quality: Yields for whites were about average with good quality and reasonable yields producing good flavours and acids, particularly in Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. Yields for reds were significantly lower than average with the hot dry conditions resulting in some dehydration and loss of weight. The reds that were harvested had good colour, flavour and tannin maturity, although some raisining did lead to some low yields due to weight loss.