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2004 vintage report for Alpine Valleys (Victoria)

The growing season began around 23 September 2003, as the Chardonnay buds emerged to cool conditions, with snow down to 700 metres. This cold period continued during October, resulting in slower than average shoot growth. Rain periods were also frequent throughout October, resulting in unusually high disease pressure, which was managed competently by the region’s well-trained growers. With the advent of November, conditions warmed up considerably and marked the beginning of an extremely dry and constant ripening season. Given the availability of drip irrigation water, the drier than normal conditions did not pose a significant problem for the region, and in fact gave growers the option of imposing an RDI regime in certain varieties.

Isolated cases of heavy yield cycles were dropped during thinning operations to ensure the best quality grapes and wine. The extended vintage presented idyllic working conditions for local growers. At ripening it became evident that the relatively cool season had resulted in terrific expression of varietal fruit flavours across the whites. The vintage has produced strong Sauvignon Blancs, perfumed Pinot Gris and fantastic fruit intensity in Chardonnay, particularly from the upper reaches of the valleys. The cool conditions, however, did delay maturity in some sites. The long, dry autumn saw great colour and flavour development in the reds, resulting in a superb year for Merlot and Cabernet, as well as the Mediterranean red varieties.