"Late November and up to December 15 temperatures were cool, which delayed the plant cycle by between 10 and 14 days and extended the fertilisation over a period of 14 to 20 days," he said.
"This period is essential for pollination and warm temperatures are needed - so fewer flowers were fertilised, with a consequent lowering of potential crop in pinot noir and sauvignon.
"Regionally, things have been quite erratic. Those sub-regions in cooler areas are less affected as they caught warmer days over flowering. Overall, the season has been delayed approximately 10 days later than we have had for five or six years."
Of course, the weather we receive each season makes a difference to how the wine will taste. Murray says the flavour quality appears to be good, and disease has not been as much of a problem as was feared.
But the poor weather for vineyards will cause problems next season.
"I estimate that crops will be reduced next season by up to 25 per cent, the result of the cool weather in early December, by comparison to the bumper years between 2008 and 2011. It is important to keep this in perspective. This reduction will bring us back to crops close to the long-term average. So it's not a disaster for the industry, though it may be difficult for individual growers."
Over the next two weeks, grape growers hope to get more stable, dry conditions as they look to harvest beyond Anzac Day.
