started in November and December was also relatively cool and flowering a little patchy. Mild conditions prevailed through to mid-February, with rain at times and nights often dipping below 10 degrees Celsius . Wind continued to be a challenge and vine canopies were quite low in vigour. By late February the temperatures lifted and veraison went well. Crops were low due to the season, however ripening progressed favourably, with picking in Gibbston early April.