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2010 vintage report for South Burnett (Queensland)

Supplied by the South Burnett Wine Industry Association
Growing season: The 2009-10 growing season saw the continuation of the drought. This had more positives than negatives as the season unfolded. Yields were down across the board, which was the most significant negative, but disease pressure was low and fruit quality was very good. Shiraz handled the conditions with aplomb and the restricted water availability created smaller bunches and berries which encouraged concentrated fruit flavours and colour.
Vintage: Due to the warmth and lack of rain, the window to harvest fruit at its optimum was brief and growers needed to be on-the-ball to avoid fruit quality being compromised. This was further emphasised towards the end of vintage when the only major rain event occurred. Growers who harvested their Cabernet Sauvignon and landed it in the winery before the rain reaped the benefits, whereas fruit left to Mother Nature’s whim suffered dilution with further follow-up showers and drizzle for the next week, compounding the problem.
Yields and quality: Apart from Shiraz, which was the standout, Verdelho continued to enjoy the conditions of the South Burnett with growers in both Kingaroy and Moffatdale reporting excellent quality, although yields continued to decline from an average 12-15t/ha in 2006 to as low as 4-6t/ha in 2010. Clovely Estate, Queensland’s largest producer, had an excellent vintage with both Barbera and Grenache, not surprisingly, enjoying the warm, dry season. Barbera, although difficult to grow with limited water supplies, handsomely rewards the grower, the winemaker and the drinking public when it goes the distance. As a complete contrast and given the season ended with frequent fogs, mist and drizzle, Clovely produced its best botrytis Semillon which gives hope for this style into the future. Overall, 2010 will be considered a vintage with very few headaches and fruit of the highest quality.