Summary
Consistently mild temperatures in December and January meant that grape growers and winemakers expected a compressed vintage similar to 2005. However, a mild to cool autumn with some rain slowed ripening down, so that grapes could be harvested strategically. As young wines, the 2006 Shiraz showed good upfront fruit with elegance and subtlety on the palate but a tannin structure which suggested longevity.
In 2006 there were 12,538 hectares of vineyards in Barossa and 92,352 tonnes of wine grapes were crushed in that vintage.
Highlights
The Barons of the Barossa announced that Chris Ringland was the 2006 Winemaker of the Year. In the same year the 2001 Chris Ringland Shiraz received 100 points in Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate.
Peter Lehmann Wines was named International Winemaker of the Year at the International Wine and Spirits Challenge (IWSC) for the second time. It was also named Australian Producer of the Year (again for the second time) and International White Winemaker of the Year.
Jacob’s Creek celebrated the 30th year since the brand was launched. Jacob’s Creek also won the Leo Buring Memorial Perpetual Trophy for the exhibitor gaining the highest number of points in Premium Classes 25-28 in the 2006 Sydney Royal Wine Show and Jacob’s Creek Johann Shiraz Cabernet won “The Diam Trophy for the Best Wine over $50” in the 2006 The Great Australian Red competition launched by UK wine writer Mathew Jukes and Australian wine critic Tyson Stelzer.
Kalleske Wines was named as one of the Top 25 Vineyards of Australia by Australian Sommelier magazine. The 2006 Greenock Shiraz also won a Gold Medal at the DLG Organic Food Awards, Germany and the 2006 JMK Shiraz VP won the Trophy for the Best Boutique Bottle and Best Fortified Bottle at the Boutique Packaging Awards.
Honourboard
Vigneron of the Year – Michael Waugh
Winemaker of the Year – Chris Ringland
Sources
SA Wine Grape Crush Survey, Vinehealth Australia and ‘Barossa Vintages: a wine history from 1842’, Peter Fuller
