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1996 vintage report for Geelong (Victoria)

Paul Chambers, Secretary of the Geelong District Winegrowers Association, said all the region’s vineyards reported an increase in yield over a normal season of between 25% and 50%.’Vintage 1996 is one of the rare years with excellent quality plus excellent quantity,’ Paul said. Picking in the region began at the normal time for Chardonnay/Pinot Noir — the last week of March or first week of April. Cold wet weather in mid-April delayed picking of mid-season varieties. This cold spell was followed by a fortnight of warm days, which produced excellent development in mid- and late-season varieties. Paul said the warm weather resulted in good sugar and flavour development. All vineyards reported ideal pH and acid levels. Disease pressure was very low during the growing season. He said further comment on the wines would be premature as the harvest wasstill under way; however the colour in reds was very deep.