Copyright © 2006
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2006 vintage

Hilltops growers report that 2006 proved a challenging vintage.

Temperatures in spring were below average, however those in January through March were well above. This, coupled with heavy rainfall through spring and early summer, followed by a return to drought conditions, necessitated diligent vineyard management.

While production was down slightly, growers were pleased at the high quality of the grapes. Importantly, all Hilltops grapes grown were both harvested and sold, at a time when thousands of tonnes were left unpicked or unsold around Australia. This emphasises the high regard that winemakers have for Hilltops fruit - even in times of oversupply.

2005 vintage

After a very dry winter with only 165 millimetres of rain, spring arrived and the pattern of dry weather continued all the way to harvest. The dry conditions were ideal for grape growing where irrigation water was available but a third successive dry year created major problems for dryland (non-irrigated) vineyards. These weather conditions created a largely disease-free season.

The dry conditions produced very good quality shiraz, with excellent colour. Crop levels were slightly lower than the previous vintage. Excellent Cabernet Sauvignon was produced, which had an intense concentration of flavours, though tonnes were low.

Most whites came on early due to the high slightly stressed conditions but good quality berries were harvested.

The season ended by many growers having a superb late ripening conditions with harvest extending to late April/early May.