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2005 vintage report for Hunter Valley (New South Wales)

The growing season for the 2005 vintage followed a very dry winter, with soil moisture levels at budburst a concern. Early spring rains proved adequate, and replenished water deficits. The major seasonal influence that followed through spring and early summer were mild, steady temperatures reminiscent of the great 2000 vintage.
In general terms, the weather pattern was one of mild to warm days with unusually cool nights punctuated by rain events that tended to accelerate vine growth and fill out the crop. The normal heat spikes that can occur for the Hunter were limited, and followed by cool to mild periods.
Yields for the 2005 vintage were about average, with the white varieties Semillon, Chardonnay and Verdelho producing excellent crops. The wines show intense varietal aromas and flavours balanced by crisp acidity. The principle red variety, Shiraz, tended to be slightly lower yielding with the wines benefiting from concentration producing deep intense colour and fruit-driven aromas. The palate of Shiraz wines are medium bodied, with ripe berry fruit flavour balanced by extended velvety tannins.