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2004 vintage report for Swan District (Western Australia)

The 2003-04 season was characterised by excellent winter and spring rains, which resulted in the best vine growth for several years. There was little rainfall during summer and early autumn, so almost all fruit was disease free. An absence of extreme high temperatures and regular cool evening seabreezes meant fruit ripened evenly, with excellent flavour and acid. Harvest started in late January. All fruit, except that destined for the region’s liqueur styles, was harvested without any problems by March. Particularly impressive is the quality of Verdelho and Shiraz. Base wines for fortifieds display excellent fruit character and generally achieved the required high Baume levels expected. Most pleasing for Swan Valley winemakers is the excellent aromatics and fruit definition in this year’s whites, and the body in the reds.