Vintage Reports
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2012 vintage report for South Burnett (Queensland)
The 2012 vintage was in stark contrast to 2011, with climatic conditions producing the best growing season on record. Verdelho has been the stand out variety in the whites, but winemakers agree that the quality of all the fruit this year has been exceptional. The more moderate temperatures pushed vintage seven to 10 days later […]
2012 vintage report for Shoalhaven Coast (New South Wales)
Shoalhaven Coast experienced a wet vintage very similar to that in the Hunter, but was less affected by the massive deluge in February. Disease pressure was great, but we are used to that by now! Overcast conditions caused slow ripening and low Baume, but fruit flavor was great and acid was fantastic (no acid was […]
2012 vintage report for Rutherglen (Victoria)
Heavy March rain came early enough to not have a major impact on the immature fruit, and the following good weather allowed the grapes to develop to physical maturity at a lower Baume than in past vintages. This brings out natural flavour. The wines produced are above average and have good fruit flavour with higher […]
2012 vintage report for Robe (South Australia)
A drier than average year with high temperatures early in the growing season saw yields in all varieties down (as forecast), due mainly to lower bunch numbers and some bird damage. However, the quality of the reds is very good, particularly for Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. Whites are of average quality and yield. Source: Winemakers […]
2012 vintage report for Riverland (South Australia)
Most Riverland wineries finished crushing before Easter, having launched into the start of harvest in late January. Riverland Winegrowers Association executive officer Chris Byrne reported that the region had experienced a good vintage for growers and wineries. Despite some early nervousness caused by rain events and some fairly strong disease indicators most growers and viticultural […]
2012 vintage report for Riverina (New South Wales)
Region-wide flooding in the early March destroyed the hopes of many growers for a promising vintage in the Riverina, in NSW. While mild temperatures at the start of the season allowed for the development of good quality fruit, the flooding meant up to 30% of the vintage was lost. Riverina Wine Grapes Marketing Board industry […]
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 regions average harvest dates, according to Pyrenees Grapegrowers and Winemakers Association president and DogRock Winery owner Allen Hart. However, others started […]
2012 vintage report for Peel (Western Australia)
The regions west recorded its earliest ever harvest but elsewhere was normal. Yield was about 10% down, with hail in the east either side of Christmas causing large losses in Semillon and Shiraz. Otherwise it is looking to be an outstanding vintage for all varietals. A number of growers introduced new varieties that will come […]
2012 vintage report for Orange (New South Wales)
Most vignerons are extremely positive about the quality of their wines, despite crop yields being affected by wet weather and one of the coolest growing seasons and latest harvests ever. The whites are showing great elegance and fine flavours, and the reds are presenting with rich dark colours. Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the standout […]
2012 vintage report for New England (New South Wales)
If persistence of birds is any indication, 2012 should be an absolute cracker for New England. Disease pressure was high, but good vineyard management and low crop yields (in all varieties except Merlot) produced some excellent fruit. Cooler conditions delayed harvest on the top of the range by 2-3 weeks, but timing was normal elsewhere. […]
2012 vintage report for Murray Darling (NSW/Victoria)
Murray Valley Winegrowers estimates a vintage intake of 320-340,000 tonnes for Murray Darling and Swan Hill. Despite a condensed vintage that started up to three weeks earlier than average, winemakers are lauding the quality of grapes and wines as probably the best in 20 years with reports of outstanding quality Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet […]
2012 vintage report for Mudgee (New South Wales)
A much wetter than average season from budburst through to early March made disease control a challenge, but the cool conditions resulted in some exciting fruit amongst the whites. Chardonnay, Riesling, Semillon and Pinot Gris show great flavours/aromas and real cool climate characteristics. Yields were lower than in 2011, especially for Shiraz. Source: Winemakers Federation […]
2012 vintage report for Mount Gambier (South Australia)
The season was 2-3 weeks earlier than the norm for Mount Gambier, with virtually all fruit having been harvested by mid-March (the earliest ever). While yields were generally down across all varieties, primarily due to the cool, wet conditions at flowering, grape quality was sensational, reaching full physiological ripeness in ideal conditions. Source: Winemakers Federation […]
2012 vintage report for Mount Benson (South Australia)
Harvest began 2-3 weeks earlier than the recent norm and wineries had an ideal season in terms of managing fruit intake. Whites already in bottle are riper and more in the tropical spectrum than last year (particularly Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon) and quality is very good. Reds show intense colour and flavour across the board […]
2012 vintage report for Mount Barker (Western Australia)
While the region had some difficulties, caused in part by late summer rains, 2012 still looks to be a stellar year, with extra points to Riesling, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. Vine growth was amazing compared with recent dry years. Yields were above expectation for Riesling and Shiraz, but lower for Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. […]
2012 vintage report for Mornington Peninsula (Victoria)
The Mornington Peninsula experienced little disease incidence this year, with some mildew in early season and some botrytis late in cooler areas. In a report from Mornington Peninsula Vignerons Associations executive officer Cheryl Lee, despite some significant rain events, the regions vineyards remained clean and comfortable. A much easier season than 2011. Warmer areas started […]
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