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2004 vintage report for Eden Valley (South Australia)

The average winter rainfall this season was a welcome relief after last year’s fourth-worst drought in history. The soil profile was filled, as were most dams. A relatively frost free, wet, warm and thundery spring followed, which created a natural greenhouse effect for the vines. They grew vigorously, flowered and, in general, set a large crop. December was the hottest for 10 years, however in January the weather became mild and windy, tempered by the cool southerlies off the ocean. January was unusually cool with similarities to January 2002. The heatwave in February caused some sunburn and crop losses.

Fortunately, March returned the region to glorious sunny days and cold, dewy nights, with a couple of minor rain events, allowing the fruit to ripen under near perfect conditions. The vintage was almost as late as in 2002, and the season produced exceptional fruit quality in all varieties, due to the extended, dry and warm autumn period. Riesling looks particularly fine because of the cool ripening period in March.