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2012 vintage report for Pyrenees (Victoria)

Harvesting of grapes for sparkling wine and those with lighter crops started mid-February in the small Pyrenees wine region, located between Bendigo and Grampians in central Victoria. It was about two-weeks earlier than the region’s average harvest dates, according to Pyrenees Grapegrowers and Winemakers Association president and DogRock Winery owner Allen Hart.
“However, others started closer to long-term average where normal yields prevailed,” Hart said.
“The relatively mild end to summer and autumn has seen some varieties ripen more slowly toward the end with mid-April the likely end to harvest in the Pyrenees for most.”
Hart said vintage 2012 had experienced “near perfect” ripening conditions, despite a couple of rain events, which briefly halted some harvest activities but did little to affect the overall quality.
“The stable and warm end to the season has allowed all fruit to be harvested with little to no disease pressure,” he said.
Yields, he said, varied from vineyard to vineyard, with some growers reporting reduced yields of between 20-50% and others keeping the status quo.
“Overall, quality is looking sensational in all varieties but especially Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.
“Most vineyards have managed to sell any excess fruit and prices have remained steady or slightly higher than in 2011.”

Source: Australian & New Zealand Grapegrower & Winemaker May 2012