Filter reports by year

• 2015
• 2014
• 2013
• 2012
• 2011
• 2010
• 2009
• 2008
• 2007
• 2006
• 2005
• 2004
• 2003
• 2002
• 2001
• 2000
• 1999
• 1998
• 1997
• 1996

2012 vintage report for Barossa Valley (South Australia)

A warmer spring and cooler summer saw the Barossa Valley begin vintage 2012 with some exceptionally healthy vines and expectations for early maturation.
Barossa Grape and Wine Association Inc communications manager James March reported maximum mean temperatures in the Barossa in spring (September to November) were slightly above average, which led to good vegetative growth, healthy vines and potentially early maturation, while summer mean maximum temperatures were cooler than average.
“In fact, between the start of November and mid-March, the Barossa Valley only had 11 days above 35°C. The only time these days were in succession was four days between 31 December and 3 January,” March said.
“Since the beginning of vintage (the start of February to mid-March) there have been very few rain events, with only eight days recording any rain, and only three of these greater than 3mm.”
March said the mild and even season, with the vines so well set-up as they were coming out of spring, resulted in an early harvest and what appeared to be excellent quality across the board.
“Whites are aromatic and well balanced with natural acidity. Reds are densely coloured with fragrance and varietal definition,” March said.
Yields are slightly below average, with the caveat that some later sites and varieties are still to be harvested, possibly up to 20% below average.
At the time of updating this report in early April, March said the latest Shiraz vineyards in the coolest areas – mostly Eden Valley – and the last of the Mataro were still to be harvested.
“It was a fantastic end to the season though – no rain and warmth until after Easter,” March said.

Source: Australian & New Zealand Grapegrower & Winemaker May 2012