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2009 vintage report for Swan District (Western Australia)

Contributed by Andrew Kosovich

Growing season: A very good growing season resulted in a steady ripening period with full flavours achieved. Good rains in September (76mm) and November (58mm) ensured good health for the vines. December was mild with an average maximum temperature of 28°C and 11mm of rainfall. There was no rainfall in January. Both February and March were marked by 7mm of rain. We experienced a small heatwave in mid-February while March was mild again with an average maximum temperature of 29oC. No frosts or storms were experienced in the region. These conditions were favourable for the production of both table wine and fortified styles.

Vintage: Vintage was on par with previous years. White varieties began coming off in the last few days of January with the fortifieds finishing in late March. Verdelho was the first to come off with Chardonnay following.

Yields and quality: Verdelho looked very good in the white wines which is important as it is considered the flagship white variety in the region. For reds, again, Shiraz is looking very good. Yields were down approximately 10-20% in general. Quality is outstanding.