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2005 vintage report for Canberra (NSW/ACT)

The Canberra District experienced only moderate winter run-off to fill dams in the lead up to the 2005 vintage. However, there were useful spring rains with early warm weather, but later moderately cool to overcast conditions prevailed early in the spring.
There was some relatively light summer rainfall with mild weather into January and an early hot spell that lasted for a few days only.
Below-average rain and warm conditions persisted until the beginning of February when cool cloudy weather and good rainfall brought some relief from the dry conditions. March, April and May all had well below average rainfall. The coming winter looks very dry so far, with no soil moisture build-up to date.
Because of the dry conditions, crops were largely free of disease and both red and white varieties were in excellent condition with intense flavours and (in the case of reds) deep colour.
The majority of growers have access to dam and/or bore water with which to maintain growth during dry spells and most were therefore able to maintain fruit quality.
Yields were generally down on previous years, particularly the later-ripening varieties that were more impacted upon by the dry conditions.