VINTAGE CONDITIONS

Winter rainfall was below the long-term average. Except for June and August, all other dormant months recorded below-average falls. Rainfall in September was above average, with cooler-than-average daytime temperatures and average to above-average minimum temperatures. La Nina was declared in September, for the third consecutive year. This climate driver, combined with the negative Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), led to an increase in spring rainfall. On October 14th, some sites recorded their highest daily rainfall on record. The wet conditions continued in November resulting in some flooding across the state. Stormy conditions affected flowering, resulting in a reduced yield. Summer was mild. The January temperatures were above average, while the remainder of the ripening months were below average, driven by lower maximum temperatures. March and April recorded above-average rainfall totals, but not significantly so. The White Hills vineyard recorded no days of temperatures >35°C. The hottest day recorded was 32.3°C recorded on 17th February. A low-yielding year, however one that produced some very high-quality parcels of Pinot Noir.