A mild and very wet January was followed by cold, dry weather in February and March. April was exceptionally warm, with temperatures rising to a 30-year record high of 29° C, causing the vines to bud early. Budbreak occurred on 11 April for Merlot and Cabernet Franc and on 18 April for Cabernet Sauvignon. The weather continued to be extremely changeable throughout the spring. A very cold and wet May retarded the vegetation cycle and normal conditions for the season did not return until June. A surge of growth then swept through the vineyard in the second half of the month and mid-flowering was noted on 18 June for all three varieties. July was sunny but August much less so, causing veraison to occur slowly and unevenly. Mid-veraison was noted on 17 August for all three varieties. Ripening was slowed by cold and wet weather in September. Conditions did not return to normal until 3 October, after cyclone Hortense had passed, bringing fine, sunny spells that ensured good conditions for picking.