The winemaking team at Slanghoek Cellar is very excited about the 2004 vintage. Up to now the 2004 ripening period has been about 2.2 degrees Celsius cooler than the long term average and 1.5 degrees Celsius cooler than 2003.The drier winter allowed the growers to obtain smaller berries with the use of regulated deficit irrigation. The cooler climate is also responsible for the slightly later start to the harvest with no significant effect on quality. The vines are very healthy with almost no diseases or pests due to the favourable drier climate and more accurate environmentally friendly spraying programmes that are followed by all growers in the Slanghoek Valley.Early indications on the flavour profile of early cultivars such as Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay are very positive with good intense cultivar characteristics. It is to early to taste the mid to late season cultivars but all the indications in the vineyards are very positive such as small berries (better colour and flavour), even and healthy grapes as well as ever improving vineyard practices.Slanghoek Winery expects roughly the same production levels as in the 2003 season. In the light of all the facts mentioned above, wine of a very high quality with distinct cultivar characteristics and intense flavour profiles with a good mouthfeel can be expected from the Slanghoek 2004 vintage.Slanghoek WynkelderEmail: slanghoek@lando.co.za