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2004 vintage report for Riverina (New South Wales)

The season produced steady spring and winter rains resulting in healthy, strong vines and good berry set. Summer saw cool mornings and nights with slow ripening, producing excellent clean fruit with no diseases. Unfortunately, just as harvest began, the Riverina was hit with a prolonged heatwave, which caused the vines to shut down. Some vines recovered quickly, others took a little longer. After that setback the weather was excellent with cool nights and mild days making it ideal for harvesting. Generally crops achieved above target production. Harvest is expected to exceed 250,000 tonnes, a record and up 30% on 2003. The previous highest crush was 228,ooo tonnes in 2002. At 123,000 tonnes, whites were up 22% while reds, at 127,000 tonnes, were up 34%. Preliminary estimates for major varieties are: Chardonnay, 38,000 tonnes (up 29%); Semillon, 38,500 (up 21%); Cabernet Sauvignon 21,500 (up 54%); Merlot, 15,500 (up 44%); and Shiraz, 63,000 (up 29%).