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2011 vintage report for New England (New South Wales)

Supplied by Deanne Eaton, Deetswood Wines, Tenterfield
Growing season: A difficult year right across the New England region. Some growers who had previously been unaffected by frost occurence found themselves with frost damage in mid-October. Early spring rainfall and strong winds impacted on flowering and fruitset and heavy January rain resulted in some vineyards being inundated with water and experiencing flood damage and crop losses. However, those that survived these events went on to produce some high quality fruit. Disease pressure was very high throughout the season with strict adherence to vineyard spray programs vital. Most vignerons have stated that this has been their most expensive vintage yet. The season was late and longer across the region, with the last of the fruit picked in mid-May. Ripening was very slow and tested winemakers’ and growers’ patience while flavour and sugar levels developed.
Vintage: In most cases, budburst was approximately two weeks later than normal and four weeks later than the 2010 vintage. Most vineyards experienced a longer-than-usual season with some fruit being picked four to six weeks later than usual.
Yields and quality: In total, yields were down across the region with fruit lost due to frost, flooding and disease. However, there were vineyards scattered across the region with better-than-average yields and high fruit quality. Some standouts include Thomas New England Shiraz, Deetswood Pinot Noir, Merilba Estate Chardonnay and Shiraz and Zappa Barbera.