As usual we commenced our crop-thinning program after New Years day, and some varieties had set large crops. Semillon and Merlot crops were reduced by 50% and Shiraz was reduced by 40%. Chardonnay again did not require thinning as the blocks set crops between 3 and 5 tonnes per Hectare. Cabernet Sauvignon required about a 30% crop reduction to achieve our target yield of 5 tonnes per Hectare. Crop thinning is an essential management tool in the creation of fine wines at Voyager Estate.

Crop thinned vines basically have more energy to ripen a smaller crop than the vine was anticipating, and as a consequence we see much improved palate weight and structure to the wine. This is particularly so for red wines where we see earlier physiological ripeness of tannins and hence less herbaceousness.

Weather conditions during the ripening phase could really only be described as outstanding. A classic “Indian summer” which was predominantly warm and very dry lasted well into April enabling the winemaking team to harvest the grapes in optimum condition and exactly when the fruit was ripe. The red grapes (particularly Cabernet Sauvignon) showed the unusual phenomenon of having ripe tannins before the actual flavour was fully developed. This ensured purity in the physiologically ripe fruit with Cabernet Sauvignon possibly the standout in an overall outstanding vintage.

The white grapes were harvested at the lowest sugar levels seen at Voyager Estate, as the flavours at these levels were excellent. Chardonnay was harvested between 11.5 and 13.0 Baume and came in with perfect natural acidity levels. Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc were also harvested Between 11.0 and 13.0 Baume with the Semillon showing classic Voyager Estate citrus and cut hay characters while the Sauvignon Blanc showed typical gooseberry/passionfruit and white peach flavors. Fruit intensity and balance was exceptional, with crisp, fresh fruit flavors.

Overall yields were spot on our pre-determined targets, and could have been excessively high if we had not severely crop thinned. Combined with the ideal Indian summer and flavour development at lower Baume levels, these conditions will ensure 2004 will go down as an outstanding vintage for both red and white wines at Voyager Estate.