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2004 vintage report for Cardinia Ranges (Victoria)

The main feature of vintage in the Cardinia Ranges was the extended mild ripening conditions with few hot days, allowing good flavour development with relative preservation of acidity and slow sugar accumulation. Earlier in the season the region experienced a period of cold weather which delayed shoot growth by about two weeks; ideal flowering conditions followed. A late veraison meant most growers harvested later than usual: late April into May for earlier ripening varieties and into June for later ones. Following the minuscule seasons of 2002 and 2003, good crops were experienced by all.
Coonawarra (SA)

An ideal growing season leading into the 2004 vintage, combined with the maturation of new plantings, has resulted in an anticipated record vintage for the Coonawarra wine region. Although it has been one of the latest vintages on record, the region’s winemakers are particularly pleased with the quality of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and there is widespread satisfaction with white wines, in particular Riesling and Chardonnay.

The winter and spring conditions of 2003 were considered average in terms of temperature and rainfall, although budburst occurred slightly later than normal. Warmer weather in late spring and early summer ensued, producing ideal flowering conditions. Characterised as short, sharp and even, the excellent flowering period achieved almost 100% fruitset, and all indications pointed to above-average crop levels in all varieties. Very cool and dry conditions during January accounted for the delay in veraison, and despite welcoming increased yields after the well below average crops of the past two vintages, a number of producers decided to thin their heavier cropped areas. The slow ripening conditions continued, and even with warmer conditions in February, it became apparent the start of vintage would be about two weeks later than normal, in mid March. The warm weather continued through March with two rain episodes (20 mm each) at the beginning and end of the month, causing minor disruption to harvest, but also boosting soil moisture after a particularly dry summer and early autumn. Mild weather continued through April and May, with no significant precipitation until 17 May, by which time the majority of fruit had been harvested. There were a number of isolated outbreaks of botrytis reported in some thinner-skinned varieties, however the vast majority of fruit was clean and disease free. Post vintage assessments have been encouraging with early reports identifying rich, ripe fruit flavours and good structure in the red wines, and attractive fruit and acid balance in the white wines.