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1996 vintage report for Far South Western Victoria

Vintage started on 24 March, 10-14 days late, according to Alistair Taylor, president of the Far South West Victoria Viticultural Association. Some varieties took two months to complete flowering, due to severe frost in September, coupled with bad weather-persistent south-easterly wind and cool cloudy weather-at flowering. Small tonnages of reds were picked with generally sound full-flavoured fruit, but not reaching desired sugar levels. The picture was similar for whites, except for some slight breakdown of fruit with some botrytis. ‘Generally this was a below-average year, with mean temperatures approximately 3 °C below average right through the growing season,’ said Alistair Taylor. ‘However, sparkling wine varieties such as Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay proved to be suited to this area.’