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2013 vintage report for Barossa Valley (South Australia)

The 2013 vintage in the Barossa Valley will be remembered as the driest, earliest and quickest vintage in memory.
Nigel Blieschke, chair of the Barossa Viticulture Technical Group, Louisa Rose, chief winemaker at Yalumba, and Nicky Robins, viticultural development officer of the Barossa Grape and Wine Association, agreed that the 2012-13 growing season was extremely variable in all aspects.
The 2012 rainfall in the Barossa Valley was the fifth driest on record. Spring rainfall was also well below average, leading to variable vine growth across the region. The variable weather also saw a number of hot days above 35°C in both October and November.
The flowering period was particularly volatile, with a number of violent lightning storms damaging the emerging inflorescences. This, combined with the dry conditions which continued into December and January, led to poor fruitset in most varieties.
A heat spell of temperatures over 33°C from 12-18 February caused many vineyards to lose more of their potential yield, and Baumés jumped dramatically.
Many vineyards were harvested by the end of February to early March – a month or so earlier than 2012. Almost all vineyards were picked by the end of March – the earliest ever finish to vintage in memory.
Yields were generally below average, but quality of both reds and whites looks strong.
Reds are showing excellent and balanced colours, flavours and tannins; Grenache may prove to be the real standout from the 2013 vintage, but Shiraz won’t be far behind.