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2005 vintage report for Padthaway (South Australia)

The 2004-05 season was one of contrasting conditions. It was only slightly warmer than normal with the heat summation being about five per cent above the average of the last 20 years. There were two short periods when the maximum temperatures exceeded 40°C and yet on 3 February the maximum temperature was only 15°C.
The winter rainfall recordings were about 10 per cent above average and very good rainfall was recorded in August to start the season.
A very good budburst occurred that was slightly earlier than the last few seasons. September was very mild while October was considerably warmer than average. The spring was virtually frost-free with no crop losses being reported. These temperature conditions during spring resulted in a relatively short flowering period and were very favourable for fruit set.
Good rains were recorded in November and temperatures were relatively warm, encouraging good vine growth.
December and January were generally mild to warm with some hot periods being experienced. February was significantly cooler than normal. At the start of February, as some varieties were completing veraison, there was a period of very cool weather that seems to have impacted on the final fruit flavour and tannin development at maturity. During early February there was also a significant rainfall event that resulted in some fruit splitting of varieties such as Chardonnay, Riesling and Viognier and the development of some botrytis that quickly dried.
This was a season of very low disease pressure with virtually no symptoms of mildew.
Vintage commenced in mid February. As vintage progressed, conditions were relatively warm to mild and dry, which were ideal for the ripening crop. The quality of both white and red varieties was very good to excellent with both Chardonnay and Shiraz being the highlights.