Climate
The spring was temperate with a fair amount of humidity
that was followed by a cool summer. Rainfall was
average in the hotter months. In general, temperatures
remained within the norm without excessive deviations.
During the harvest season in September and the first
part of October, weather was stable and sunny.
In the vineyards
It was a year characterised by a high yield of fruit
per plant. All vineyards saw considerable thinning
of the clusters (removal of excess grapes; this
process intensifies flavours in remaining fruit).
In some cases, green pruning occurred twice on the
same vine. In the last week of September, harvest
season began later than normal and was staggered
according to the position of the vineyard, the type
of soil, and the age of the vines.
Overall, 2004 proved to be an excellent year. The
combination of highly favourable weather cycles,
intensely flavoured fruit, and managed vine performance
produced a superior 2004 vintage.
The wines:
Wines from this vintage are rich in colour, with
intense fruity aromas and excellent balanced structure
suited for refinement over a long period.
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