Vintage Conditions

In Coonawarra, spring's cooler temperatures led to nine days of sub-2°C weather. The deployment of frost fans proved effective in safeguarding vine shoots against these cold snaps. Warm weather prevailed in December, setting the stage for superb flowering and fruit-set conditions. Veraison was uniform across vineyards, leading to consistent grape development allowing flavour, tannin, and colour to flourish during the final ripening phase under near-perfect conditions. The Barossa Valley experienced cooler-than-average temperatures coupled with spring thunderstorms. Despite this, yields and grape quality surpassed expectations even among vines impacted by hail. A particularly arid yet cool December slowed down fruit-set, however, robust canopies played a pivotal role in driving up sugar levels and physiological maturity without the risk of dehydration at harvest time. The cooler growing season also fostered excellent acid retention which translated into grapes that were both finely structured and balanced. Padthaway encountered a frost event in October, but enjoyed an otherwise gentle growing season, free from extreme heat spikes or rain delays at harvest time. McLaren Vale reported only three days exceeding 35°C—half what was recorded for the previous year's vintage—resulting in a gradual harvest that allowed Cabernet Sauvignon grapes to be picked at their peak condition.