VINTAGE 2005
Houghton winemaker Rob Bowen believes the 2005 vintage is among the finest he has seen for Western Australian Chardonnay, a result of excellent vine health and near-perfect ripening conditions. Spring and summer were mild, so flowering was consistent and vine growth ideal. During the critical late-season ripening period, there were no extended heat spells, so the grapes accumulated sugar and flavour slowly while retaining excellent acidity. Consequently, Chardonnay grapes throughout the region developed good flavours at lower sugar levels, resulting in wines of fine texture and elegance.