2012 Australia Vintage

Nationally, seasonal conditions were generally favourable and ripening conditions ideal, though there was some yield loss at fruit set, and heavy rains and flooding in the eastern states brought major losses in the Riverina. In the Adelaide Hills, winter rainfall leading into September was close to the long-term average, leaving soil moisture profiles full, though budburst was variable. Barossa spring (September to November) maximum temperatures were slightly above average and summer maximums cooler than average, with only 11 days above 35 C between the start of November and mid-March, and only eight days with any rain from the start of February to mid-March. Adelaide Hills ripening was mild, with cold nights frequently below 10 C. Harvest began in early February in the Adelaide Hills, where most fruit was in by the third week of March, and as early as the second week of February for many in the Yarra Valley, where a long Indian summer brought Cabernet to excellent quality. The Barossa's mild, even season also brought an early harvest. Yields were down across most varieties in the Yarra Valley, 25 to 50 percent below average for most varieties in the Adelaide Hills, and slightly below average in the Barossa.

The national crush was estimated at 1.66 million tonnes in the July 2012 Vintage Report, up 4 percent on 1.60 million tonnes in 2011, just above the five-year average of 1.63 million tonnes and well below the 2005 peak of 1.93 million. The higher crush came despite many regions having lower yields. Reds (836,000 tonnes) and whites (825,000 tonnes) were almost identical. Shiraz rose 16 percent to retake the top spot by volume from Chardonnay, which fell 24,000 tonnes, largely from lower yields. Pinot Gris/Grigio grew by around 40 percent.

• National crush: 1.66 million tonnes, up 4 percent on 2011 (estimate)
• Warm inland regions: nearly one million tonnes, up 7 percent; cool regions down about 2 percent
• Shiraz up 16 percent to retake the top spot by volume; Chardonnay down 24,000 tonnes
• Pinot Gris/Grigio up around 40 percent; red and white crush almost identical

Unanimous reports of above average quality across most regions and varieties led the WFA to expect 2012 to be recognised as a standout vintage. According to the Barossa Grape and Wine Association's James March, Barossa whites were aromatic and well balanced with natural acidity, and reds densely coloured with fragrance and varietal definition. The Winetitles Yarra Valley vintage report called 2012 an exceptional vintage in which all varieties achieved excellent quality, with Pinot Noir the standout.

• Unanimous reports of above average quality across most regions and varieties
• Barossa reds densely coloured with fragrance and varietal definition
• Yarra Valley: all varieties excellent, Pinot Noir the standout