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2010 vintage report for Macedon Ranges (Victoria)

Supplied by the Macedon Ranges Vignerons’ Association Inc.
Growing season: In the northern and eastern parts of the region: rain in spring and late summer provided an easy growing and ripening season with good fruitset; no excessive summer heat; no particular disease pressure; leaf cover at vintage was very high and there was still leaf cover in early June. Rain occurred from January onwards after a gentle, frost-free autumn. The eastern and central parts of the region recorded very good canopy development requiring much trimming, thinning and shoot positioning. Birds, primarily cockatoos and crows, were evident during ripening in huge numbers in the north, with netting essential.
In the south, there was less rain but it was still reasonable right throughout the season, keeping vines in balance. Fruit was clean – no disease pressure and suffered from only a bit of European wasp damage.
Vintage: Ripening occurred early in the north of the region. Vine stress was lower than the last several summers. January was dry and hot, but there was no extreme heat. Veraison was very even. Heavy rain in early March caused some delays to ripening in the east.
Yields and quality: Crop size was around average in the northern section of the region. The north has seen great colour and flavours in Shiraz and Merlot. Whites have developed good varietal characteristics. In the east, Brix, TA and pH are among the best experienced. Bunch weights were almost double that of 2009. Tonnages up to 3.5t/acre were recorded. The standout variety in this part of the region is Chardonnay. The total crop in the south was about 75% higher than 2009 while sugar levels were very good and pH and acids were generally excellent.