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2014 vintage report for Swan Valley (Western Australia)

According to Swan Valley and Regional Winemakers Association president Duncan Harris, vintage commenced in the second week of January and concluded by the first quarter of April with tonnage sitting at 5000.
Ideal weather conditions brought the region above average with even-ripening yields due to belated rain in September.
Some growers reported a 10 to 15 per cent increase on 2013, while others achieved targets with bunch thinning.
“We are pleased that Swan Valley wine connoisseurs are going to enjoy the benevolent conditions this vintage with grapes of intense flavour,” Harris said.
Hot days in December and January meant fruit was of a high standard with lower than normal pH.
By March both red and white varieties were off the vines with the remainder being reserved for the Swan Valley’s regional specialty of fortified wines.
Good soil moisture levels from above average spring rains and no rainfall during summer meant disease was non-existent.
Shiraz, Cabernet, Malbec and Petit Verdot showed deep colour and flavour intensity with fine ripe tannins.
Harris said winegrape growers were very happy and they were pleased with the high quality of fruit while grape prices were similar to the previous vintage.