Wine regions Australia - South Burnett

South Burnett  Vintage Report 2004

Climatic conditions proved tough throughout the South Burnett Region during the 2003-2004 growing season.

All was well until a hail storm hit the Kingaroy district on Boxing Day. This was then repeated in the Moffatdale area in late January.

Both storms, coupled with a wet January and hot February, created a short, difficult vintage with some yield losses. However, fruit that went the distance was of a high standard.

Vintage began in mid-January and the majority of fruit was in the tank by early March. Dusty Hill harvested first full bodied Shiraz grapes in Australia in January. Vigneron Peter Eaton from Captain's Paddock, Kingaroy, has just picked his double pruned Shiraz (10 June). Therefore, it is likely that the South Burnett will have some of the earliest and latest fruit harvested for the 2004 Australian vintage.

Verdelho continues to be the rising star of the region. With its loose bunch architecture and its ability to ripen and retain acid, Verdelho is displaying some interesting regional characteristics.

Barambah Ridge winemaker, Stuart Pierce, commented that the 2004 Verdelho showed good lime-citrus varietal qualities."There is also a hint of tropical flavours which enhances the complexity of the wine," he said.

Having previously won gold with Barambah Ridge's 2003 Verdelho, Pierce is again expecting big results from the current vintage.

Chardonnay and Semillon also continue to perform well. Consultant viticulturist Peter Stewart said, "Both these varieties need some extra TLC in controlling Botrytis through careful canopy management and a strategic spray program." Excellent quality fruit is being achieved at 10-15 tonne to the hectare, he said.

Luke Fitzpatrick, winemaker for Clovely Estate and formerly of Mt Avoca Winery, commented that Semillon and Chardonnay harvested prior to some significant rain events showed excellent flavour development at low baume levels.

"Semillon, in particular, is looking fresh and zesty with well balanced acidity and structure. These wines are characterised by a mix of citrus peel and grapefruit with integrated grassy and herbaceous notes indicating well managed canopies in the vineyards," he said.

The reds are still dominated by the work-horse Shiraz. By holding cropping levels at around 10 tonne to the hectare, deep coloured, concentrated wines can be produced, regardless of the rain or heat.

Merlot continues to progress from vintage to vintage. Bunch thinning has controlled high cropping levels which has facilitated ripening and increased colour development. Although battered by hail in some instances and the February heat, the Cabernet Sauvignon performed best where canopies were still healthy and functioning throughout the ripening period.

Baumes of 12.5 to 13.5 were achieved with 4-6g/L TA. Pierce said it was pleasing to take delivery of sound fruit with ample blackcurrant flavour and balanced tannins.

Despite the difficult growing season, the South Burnett region continues to build on its short but impressive history.

• South Burnett Cuisine
• South Burnett Online
• South Burnett Regional Tourist Board