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2008 vintage report for Geographe (Western Australia)

By Jim Campbell-Clause
AHA Viticulture
On behalf of the Geographe Vignerons’ Association

Geographe’s season was characterised by an early warm and dry spring. This resulted in optimum conditions for vine growth and canopies developed quickly. Flowering was even for early varieties and resulted in good fruitset. Cool and wet conditions in December further promoted vegetative growth but resulted in some poor fruitset for later flowering varieties including Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. Conditions through the remaining summer months were warmer than average ensuring early maturity. Very little rain fell during ripening.

Disease pressure was high due to humid and moist conditions in December. Powdery mildew pressure was high and in several sites quality was compromised. Native Marri flower was non-existent resulting in high bird pressure.

The region experienced a ‘compressed’ early vintage but this evened out after cooler conditions in early autumn.

White varieties produced higher-than-average yields in most varieties, due to slightly higher average bunch weights. In sites where large canopies could be maintained with good water management in the dry summer conditions, maturity developed evenly and resulted in exceptional quality and varietal characters developing in Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Chardonnay and Verdelho. Conditions resulted in early flavour development at low Baumés, with good acid retention. In sites with good water management and moderate yields, quality was exceptional.

Red varieties had optimum conditions for vegetative growth early in the season, resulting in big canopies. Trimming and canopy manipulation was required to improve fruit exposure in many sites. The ensuing hot, dry conditions resulted in even ripening, however, in some sites the presence of green ‘shot’ berries needed to be managed. In general, yields were about average and acid levels were high. The combination of high acids, good colour and flavour resulted in excellent quality for Shiraz.