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1996 vintage report for Hunter Valley (New South Wales)

The Hunter’s excellent start to the growing season continued through November with 57 mm of rain and the cool, variable weather continued through December. January rain caused some early botrytis. Vintage started on 20 January and Bruce Tyrrell, a member of the Hunter Valley Vineyard Association, said average yields were up 40% on 1995. The climate during vintage, with little rain, mild to warm days and cold nights, would ensure a high quality vintage. He said yields of reds (Shiraz) were slightly above average and those of Chardonnay slightly below average; older Semillon vines had not yet fully recovered from the 1994/95 drought. Bruce said 1996 Shiraz wines would not be as big as 1995 — 12-13% alcohol by volume, medium to deep colour, but great fruit structure on the palate; Pinot Noirs would have good colour and flavour structure. ‘Semillons are full in colour and flavour, attractive while young but with potential for long life,’ he said.