One of the longest vintages on record with harvest starting mid February and finishing in the first week of May. Winter was the second wettest in the last 28 years providing a very welcome recharge to the underground aquifer. Rainfall continued into spring with almost double the long term average falling, a blessing in disguise with the warm weather that was to follow during summer. Flowering from late November to mid-December was cold and windy, similar to vintages 2009 and 2012, and consequently fruit set was impacted. Cabernet was most affected and had more moderate yields as a result. January and early February were hot and dry, however with good water availability and accurate early weather forecasts the fruit was well protected by healthy canopies and heat damage to the vines was minimal. The warm weather brought the ripening of many of the varieties on rapidly but the cool nights and moderate days that Coonawarra is renowned rolled in around mid to late February and slowed the ripening. Leaf condition held well for most of the season with autumnal yellowing of older leaves starting in early April. Small falls of rain over the ripening period meant fruit quality was sound right to the end. Overall, a perfect extended dry and mild ripening season for flavour, colour and tannin development which has delivered a classic elegant Coonawarra vintage.