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2000 vintage report for Pemberton (Western Australia)

This report was prepared by Patrick Coutts, president of the Pemberton Wine Region Association:The vintage date was about normal, commencing in earnest for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay around 1March. Some newer plantings, generally first crops, were harvested earlier than this. For established vineyards the yields depended on the variety. Most varieties showed normal yields but there were notable decreases in yield for Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon. In some cases the yields were down 25% on established averages. White yields appear unaffected. Reasons for the decreased yield are difficult to determine. Bunch weights were notably lower than average, yet water and sunlight did not appear to be below the optimum. The growing was again a challenge. A wet spring made it difficult to get protective sprays out on time.The summer period was markedly cooler than normal, and most vineyards found some disease pressure, notably botrytis. In contrast to 1999 ripening appeared to be accelerated, with Merlot being ripe at the same time as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.The picking window was very narrow for these earlier varieties. The later varieties came in around the expected time. If anything, the issue here was elevated sugar prior to physiological ripeness, necessitating extra hang time for Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. Some vineyards saw some white varieties with botrytis, but the overall assessment is of clean fruit in excellent condition. Growers and producers believe the season is on a par with 1999 and may possibly exceed it. If so it will be the best season seen in the Pemberton region. Fruit has well defined fruit flavour at lower alcohol than is often the case in this area. The 2000 reds, whether Pinot Noir or the Cabernet family, are outstanding, showing defined varietal characters, supple ripe tannins and good fruit length. The 2000 whites are also generally outstanding. Some growers think their whites are better than 1999, others merely on a par.