For Hunter Valley grape growers, pre-vintage discussion is all about the weather. In recent years, harvest has been in full swing by the second week of January, however not so for 2016. Wet and cloudy conditions meant later ripening on most varieties. The Hunter Valley went back to its typical dry winter with no significant rain recorded between 23rd May and 24th August 2015. Major rainfall wasn’t received until the first 2 weeks of December (121mm) but accompanied a hailstorm on the 10th. This cut a swath right through the middle of Pokolbin with the south of Mount View and north of Deasy’s Rd escaping. Another storm went through a week later bringing the months total up to 181mm and the yearly rainfall to 1051mm, well above the average of 720mm. January saw records set for rainfall with Brokenwood recording 338mm and then the tap was turned off with fine weather prevailing through February. Handpicking this fruit has resulted in a shiraz full of finesse.