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2005 vintage report for King Valley (Victoria)

Good winter rains preceded the start to the season with budburst occurring in mid–late September throughout the valley. Average temperatures prevailed during October and November and the customary mid-October cold snap did not eventuate this season. The average temperatures, coupled with below average rainfall resulted in steady shoot growth in the lead up to flowering in mid-late November. Warm, dry conditions resulted in a relatively fast flowering period. Fruit set was very good, and together with large bunch structure this meant that crop thinning had to be undertaken in order to maintain high grape quality.
Average temperatures and average to below average rainfall prevailed during December and January. The absence of rain from mid December to mid January resulted in a slow down of shoot growth leading to very good cane lignification prior to veraison. Heavy rainfall ranging from 150 mm to 300 mm occurred in the first week of February and plummeting temperatures—maximum temperature below 10°C for three consecutive days saw veraison stall in early varieties such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The heavy rainfall resulted in a sudden increase in berry size, and caused some berries to break away from the pedicel, thereby providing an entry point for botrytis infection. In order to minimise the further spread of botrytis, growers removed any damaged bunches ensuring that high quality grapes would be harvested. Cool, dry conditions followed with below average maximum and minimum temperatures for February being recorded.
Harvest commenced in mid February with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir being harvested for sparkling. The cooler conditions experienced in the higher elevated sites ensured that high acid levels were achieved. The cool, dry conditions continued throughout March resulting in steady ripening for all varieties. White varieties were harvested throughout March and displayed good varietal characters. The ideal ripening conditions resulted in target Baumes being easily reached.