Filter reports by year

• 2015
• 2014
• 2013
• 2012
• 2011
• 2010
• 2009
• 2008
• 2007
• 2006
• 2005
• 2004
• 2003
• 2002
• 2001
• 2000
• 1999
• 1998
• 1997
• 1996

2004 vintage report for Mount Benson (South Australia)

The 2004 vintage produced the best yields for three seasons. The reds in particular set good crops, but all varieties yielded well. Spring conditions were excellent with good bunch numbers, fruitset and no disease. A dry summer with warm to hot conditions raised the expectations of a great vintage and saw a rapid increase in bunch weights and a revision of cropping levels to what became a record harvest. Many growers crop-thinned to maintain tonnage within contract and ensure ripening and quality. Harvesting began in late March with the white varieties and was concluded at the end of May with the harvesting of the heavier cropped reds. The cool, showery weather through autumn caused many delays to the ripening of the fruit and harvesting. Outbreaks of botrytis were a constant concern. All the local wineries had record intakes of fruit and fulfilled their demands. This left some fruit on the vines. With excess supplies, any grapes that did not reach high Baume or became botyris infected were rejected. The wine quality is exceptional with excellent colour, perfume and high levels of alcohol in the reds.