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2004 vintage report for Langhorne Creek (South Australia)

The Langhorne Creek season started well for those on the flood plain, with two good flood events during the growing season. Some frost later in the growing season, followed by two extreme heat days, presented challenges for growers, but otherwise it was a dry season with low disease pressure.

Vintage started early and was constant, with some reports of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon intake overlapping and creating a little pressure on winery fermentation space. Overall, quality was good, although yields were a bit variable with above average yield for many on the flood plain and slightly below average in other areas. Yields look like averaging out to compare well with previous years. The region experienced good even ripening with excellent flavour development. Flavour developed at a reasonable Baume level with some reporting optimum fruit flavour at a slightly higher Baume than in previous years. Acid levels were quite low. Shiraz is again looking great with excellent fruit ripeness and depth of balance. It was a superb quality vintage for Cabernet Sauvignon and parcels of Petit Verdot and Malbec. Cabernet Sauvignon in particular looks back to its best, showing fabulous structure, colour (rich and black) and flavour. Chardonnay is reportedly the best it’s been in several years.