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1997 vintage report for Mornington Peninsula (Victoria)

Yields were 25% lower than average in Mornington Peninsula, due to low bud fruitfulness, particularly on basal buds, low percentage budburst and small bunch and berry size, reports Ian Macr’ of the Mornington Peninsula Vignerons’ Association. Vintage started at the end of March, in very cool and dry weather. There was very little disease incidence because of the driest October-April period on record, and a hot January and February. Ian Macr’ said the 1997 vintage quality for reds was ‘exceptional, with light crops, small berries and the long ripening period resulting in wines of great colour, structure and varietal characteristics.’ He said the season was also excellent for white wines, for the same reasons. ‘Although January and February were extremely hot and dry, the season was no earlier than usual and finished later,’ Ian said. ‘This was due to a very cool March, April and May. Because crops were low, all crops ripened fully. Non-irrigated vineyards suffered severely in this very dry season, with very light crops and slow ripening.’á