One of the most challenging vintages of the last decade. South Australia endured its coldest summer since records began. The situation was then compounded by sporadic outbreaks of rain during the harvest. Some attractive early-drinking whites were produced but the reds were far more inconsistent and it is important to stick with the top producers.

Similar weather conditions prevailed in Victoria, although quality was generally higher. However, many wines lack richness and concentration and the vast majority should have been consumed by now.

In Western Australia the rain caused havoc at harvest time, and with few exceptions, very ordinary wines were produced.