Margaret River 2006 Vintage Report
After a wetter than normal winter (still below average) the season kicked off very slowly with possibly the first day above 20 degrees not occurring until mid November. 
December turned into the coldest on record and led into the coolest summer in 45 years. Early season speculation about harvest being delayed by up to two weeks proved correct with colder sites in the region being picked up to 3 weeks later than average.
Long range forecasts of impending rain events taunted winemakers throughout harvest with most downpours not coming to fruition. The overall lack of rain coupled with the cool conditions served to intensify fruit flavours across all varieties.
Without exception most winemakers agree that Chardonnay was the star of the vintage in terms of varietal expression and concentration. Sauvignon Blanc this season was the stronger partner in the regions ubiquitous Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc, blends. Semillon, being surprisingly less herbaceous then normal and adding weight and length of flavour and Sauvignon Blanc contributing great tropical aromas.
Whites across the board showed great balance of flavour and natural acidity at lower Baume then warmer growing seasons.
Those producers of Verdelho feel as their Chardonnay counterparts that this was also an exceptional vintage for the variety with grapefruit, cumquat and light floral perfumes coming to the fore.
Red varieties required steely nerves with intake for most producers extending well into May and whilst the most significant rain events occurred around the end of March there was very little heat accumulation from then on leading to a prolonged ripening period for the reds.
Shiraz showed ripe red berry fruit flavours with strong colour in the red rather than purple spectrum. This variety was the most consistent performer across the region with good tannin structure and acid balance.
Cabernet exhibited good colour with top parcels showing inky purple hues with fresh blueberry and choc mint flavours. Tannin structure was conducive to producing softer style wines.
Merlot had ripe soft tannins with the best examples showing sweet perfumed plummy fruit.
