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2012 vintage report for Adelaide Hills (South Australia)

The 2012 season began with some mixed weather messages in the Adelaide Hills.
Adelaide Hills Wine Region president Darren Golding said leading into September, and just prior to budburst, winter rainfall was close to the long-term average for most parts of the Adelaide Hills, resulting in soil moisture profiles being full.
“However, there were fluctuations between short periods of warmer than average days followed by similar periods of very cool temperatures. This resulted in some variable budburst and shoot development in most varieties,” Golding said.
Weather conditions continued to be variable through the period from October to December. “However, accumulated heat and degree days by mid-November resulted in phenology being earlier than average, suggesting an early vintage,” Golding said.
Golding said disease pressure throughout the season was moderate, with most growers using the previous year’s experience to bolster early defences and maintain appropriate spray programs.
Weather conditions remained mild during summer with a few short periods of hot weather where temperatures exceeded 30°C.
“Generally, conditions during the majority of the ripening period were ideal, with mild daytime temperatures and cold nights frequently below 10°C, all conducive to excellent flavour development and the retention of natural acidity in the fruit,” he said.
Harvest began in early February with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir for sparkling and a week later with Sauvignon Blanc.
“Lower than average crop levels contributed to fruit ripening relatively fast, resulting in another condensed vintage,” he said.
“The majority of fruit was harvested by the third week of March, with the later reds completed by the end of March.”
“Most varieties yielded 25-50% below average, with some reports of Pinot Noir and Shiraz being 75% lower than average, similar to yields experienced in 2002, which was another cool vintage.”
In summary, Golding said, the combination of low crop levels and mild conditions during the ripening period has resulted in some of the best quality fruit for a number of years.

Source: Australian & New Zealand Grapegrower & Winemaker May 2012