Autumn and early winter rainfall were above the long-term average. Rain stopped abruptly in early August with only light showers observed throughout spring. The dry and cool spring period affected canopy growth early in the season. Warm and dry conditions during flowering and fruit-set resulted in rapid grapevine growth and early flowering.

A high rainfall event occurred in Coonawarra in January, mostly falling outside of veraison. February brought weekend heat spikes, pushing mean maximum temperatures well above the average resulting in early ripening and harvest.