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2010 vintage report for Adelaide Hills (South Australia)

Supplied by the Adelaide Hills Wine Region Inc.
Growing season: Leading into September and just prior to budburst, winter rainfall was close to long-term average for most parts of the Adelaide Hills, resulting in soil moisture profiles being full. While temperatures remained cool in September, budburst on most varieties was in line with the long-term average. Weather conditions during October increased rapidly, encouraging strong canopy development. The warmer-than-normal weather continued during November, with heatwave conditions recorded in mid-November. While the season started slow due to cool conditions in September and October, resulting in phenology being in line with average, the heat and degree day accumulation in mid-November resulted in phenology being ahead of average by the end of November.
The warm conditions during early November were favourable for flowering, particularly in the early varieties, such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, which consequently had very good set, whereas the heatwave did impact on set in some of the mid-range varieties, such as Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz. Later varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon completed flowering after the heatwave and set well.
Rainfall recorded in November resulted in the yearly accumulation being equal to the long-term average.
While weather conditions were mild during summer and the heat in November contributed to an early start to vintage – approximately 14-21 days ahead of average – conditions during the ripening period were ideal with no late rain, mild day-time temperatures and cold nights frequently below 10oC, all conducive to excellent flavour development and the retention of natural acidity in the fruit.
Vintage: Harvest commenced in mid-February with Pinot Noir for sparkling and a week later with Sauvignon Blanc. As for the last few vintages, fruit ripened relatively fast, resulting in another condensed vintage with harvest for most varieties completed by mid-March.
Yields and quality: Most varieties, including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Merlot, yielded well and close to average, whereas some, including Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, were well above average if not shoot or fruit thinned.