After a winter with average rainfall, warm conditions in March led to an early bud burst. Cool weather in April, followed by strong rains, slowed down growth. August was relatively free of rain and quite hot compared to the seasonal average.
Flowering took place on 28 May, two weeks later than in 2011. It took place in poor weather, resulting in poor fruit set and hence low yields.
The weather was still disturbed by the end of June, but some warmer periods allowed for quick development of the berries. The unstable weather continued for the first 20 days of July. The end of the month saw a return of summer weather and a good véraison.