VINTAGE CONDITIONS

The Barossa Valley was blessed with near average winter rainfall. However, as the season transitioned into spring, August and September brought less rain than usual, resulting in root-zone soil moisture below average as the vines approached budburst. Despite this initial dryness, several intense low-pressure systems in October replenished soil moisture levels significantly. These systems also ushered in windier conditions that, while challenging for flowering, ultimately concentrated the fruit by reducing yields. Above-average November rains gave way to a typically dry December, setting up a summer growing season characterised by only a handful of hot days — two exceeding 35°C — and none breaching the 40°C mark. Harvest time was graced with dry yet moderately warm weather and an appreciable diurnal temperature variation that nurtured sugar accumulation and phenolic development without risking water stress on the vines. These climate influences allowed for harvesting at precisely the right moment when ripeness and freshness intersected.