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2005 vintage report for Orange (New South Wales)

‘2005 in Orange and the Central Ranges was undoubtedly the best vintage of my winemaking life,’ Philip Shaw, chief executive of Cumulus Wines, has declared. He said the cold weather and spring rains made for a difficult start, as some vineyards had to shoot thin twice to control vigour.
‘After November 2004, it was dry and mild for the entire summer—with days averaging in the high 20s and very cool nights. This was the ideal climatic balance with fruit ripening exactly when we wanted,’ Philip said. He added that reds were showing outstanding colour and flavour, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot look especially strong. The whites were powerful and beautifully balanced.
Winemaker for Cumuls Wines, Philip Dowell, was also glowing of the recent harvest. ‘The 2005 season has been a fantastic year with all wines showing excellent fruit flavour. The year started well with even budburst and fruit set. Regular rainfall during spring kept the vines in good health,’ he said.
‘The summer was relatively cool and it looked like we were in for a late start to vintage, with the grapes showing high acidity early on. However, with warmer and dry conditions in February, vintage proceeded quickly, with all varieties reaching high degrees of maturation at the same time. Vintage commenced with Verdelho in the third week of February. Chardonnay, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon were all picked over a five-week window but Merlot took just two weeks to harvest,’ Philip reported.
Over at Mortimers of Orange, Peter Mortimer said the early spring rains and warm temperatures during flowering allowed good vigour and even fruit set. ‘Our yield was almost identical to 2004 but the flavours were significantly better. Low rainfall in the second half of the year allowed the fruit to ripen evenly. I irrigated only enough to keep the leaves healthy.’
Peter said grapes were picked a week earlier than 2004 with Baumes a little higher at between 14 and 15. Chardonnay was picked on 7 April and Cabernet and Shiraz on 1-2 May. ‘Total acid was marginally down but the colour and flavours are intense. 2005 was the best vintage we have had since 1995,’ Peter said.