VINTAGE CONDITIONS

Winter rainfall was in general average to below average. Maximum temperatures were warmer than long-term average across most sites, while minimum temperatures trended lower. This high diurnal range was due to the combined effects of low humidity, reduced soil moisture and reduced cloud cover. A La Nina “watch and act” alert was issued for the summer month at this time.
Spring temperatures were slightly above average across most of the regions, while conditions in November were warm for most of South Australia. For many vineyard locations, the warmer conditions contributed to excellent flowering and fruit-set, resulting in healthy yields. There were no significant frost events recorded. December started very cool for many sites, driven by a tropical low that occurred at the start of the month. A cold front and low-pressure trough produced heavy rain in late January and early February. These anticipated La Nina conditions peaked in January with a return to more neutral conditions by early February. Rainfall for autumn was well below average, while temperatures continued to trend low for much of March and April. The mild conditions made for an excellent harvest, with shiraz grapes ripening gradually and picked in an orderly fashion.