2004 vintage guide for Red South Africa

South Africa 2004: Drink soon

Variable wines. Some will be elegant with higher acidity and lower alcohol than those from more classic South African vintages; others will be fuller bodied and robust

3/5

Weather Conditions

A generally cooler and drier winter than normal – Paarl experienced less than half the normal rainfall – however this did not affect the ripening process to a great degree.

‘Although the cold spells during early winter were not ideal, the critical flowering and berry set stages went off beautifully owing to good rains in late winter and early spring,’ said Nicolette de Kock of Stellenbosch. The cooler weather earlier in the season accounts for many producers making wines that are more European in style with lower alcohol and higher acidity. Other producers with vineyards where better ripening conditions took place expect full-bodied wines with good ageing potential.

Best Appellations

Best Producers