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2004 vintage report for Henty (Victoria)

Relatively dry conditions prior to budburst allowed growers to be attentive to vine needs from the outset of the new season. Early canopy growth progressed without difficulty and by flowering, viticultural conditions were widely described with confidence. Weather conditions at this time were optimal with no difficulty in securing fertilisation and set. Growers were therefore soon to be confronted with management decisions regarding the merit or otherwise of bunch thinning. Interestingly, but not unpredictably, opinions vary widely in relation to the purpose and utility of the strategy. Some growers rigorously removed bunches to reduce crop load, lower potential for bunch congestion, promote vine balance and optimise ripening opportunities in this cold region, which is characterised by long seasons with a vulnerability to weather inclemency towards season closure. On the contrary, others avoided the practice, citing bunch and berry size compensation and questionable outcomes, with dollar costs also taken into consideration. Discussion regarding optimal timing where the practice was employed was widespread. In some instances, non replicated trials without research rigour were undertaken. Reports indicate that dependant upon bunch removal timing, bunch response varied. Those who ‘green harvested’ early had little complaint of bunch compensatory behaviour.

Cool conditions in January contributed to the elongation to the season. On the up side, this assisted to maintain both pH and acid levels. Some timely rains later in the season were generally considered to be helpful, particularly for dry grown vineyards. Harvest of sparkling varietals commenced around 26 March, with later ripening varietals destined for still table wines requiring considerably more time to ripen. In some quarters, late varietals struggled to meet optimal ripening levels, from both subjective and objective perspectives. Ultimately, across the region growers generally reported increased yields on 2003, with satisfaction expressed in relation to overall quality parameters across varietals. With fermentations progressing generally without incident, supported by the cooler conditions that allowed elongated vattings, early indications see Henty wineries reporting clean, lively fruit flavours of considerable intensity, structure and depth, with little need for aggressive winemaking intrusions.