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2012 vintage report for Geographe (Western Australia)

Demand for winegrapes has increased in the Geographe wine region after ideal ripening conditions led to “excellent” grape quality.
Viticulturist Jim Campbell Clause says this season is dramatically different to last year in terms of prices, yields and quality.
“Last season’s lack of winter and spring rainfall resulted in small canopies and light crops, whereas this season canopies were good size, and bunch and berry size were larger,” Campbell Clause said.
“With ideal ripening conditions, fruit quality has been excellent. Buyers did come back into the market and some spot sales were achieved, especially for red grapes and, in particular, Cabernet Sauvignon and alternative varieties.”
The Geographe harvest was well under way by mid-February and was mostly completed by Easter, with the exception of Cabernet Sauvignon. The last of the grapes were expected to be crushed by mid-April.
Campbell Clause said, overall, the weather conditions were “fantastic”.
“The combination of winter, spring, early summer rainfall and full soil profiles resulted in strong early shoot growth at most sites. Spring and summer rainfall delayed irrigation requirements and, at some sites, no irrigation was required,” he said.
Good soil moisture conditions early in berry development led to higher yields for Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache and Tempranillo.

Source: Australian & New Zealand Grapegrower & Winemaker May 2012