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2001 vintage report for Geographe (Western Australia)

Yields were up about 10% due to a wet spring and particularly mild summer, giving good fruitset and a moderate berry size. The summer and autumn were very dry with no rain from November until May. Consequently disease pressure was minimal, with clean ripe fruit being harvested. apart from a four-day hot spell in early March as whites were ripening. The mild summer continued on into autumn, giving even ripening of whites and reds until a four-day hot spell in early March accelerated the harvest of mid-season varieties. The red varieties excelled in the conditions and excellent fruit was picked. ‘This was a wonderful vintage for all reds, especially Merlot and Shiraz,’ said Rob Bowen, vice president of the Geographe Vignerons Association. ‘The mild weather and cool nights yielded fruit with intense colour, full tannin ripeness with an exceptional balance of sugar, acid and pH. The resultant wines are outstanding.’ Chardonnay ripened well ahead of the hot spell and showed good flavours and structure. ‘Later varieties were just starting to develop flavours as we were treated to perfect beach weather û hot days with no wind. Winemakers who waited for fruit flavour have been rewarded with intense flavours with palates boosted with generous alcohols.’ Rob said many vineyards in Geographe harvested their first vintage this year and were happy that they chose this mild, generous region that allowed them to pick ripe, well-flavoured fruit. The established vineyards also presented excellent fruit with great balance and strength to the wineries. ‘The region even provided ripe rich Shiraz to a winery in the Hunter Valley,’ he said.