Marlborough

Defining the 1998 vintage in Marlborough requires looking beyond the averages, as it was a year of contrasting fortunes and precise timing.

Spring was steady if unremarkable, with the vines navigating the vulnerable flowering stage without major incident. However, the threat of frost loom large, with 2 distinct cold snaps keeping vineyard managers on high alert during budbreak.

Summer conditions were balanced, oscillating between warm spells and refreshing intervals that kept the ripening on a steady track.

Harvest proceeded under mixed skies, requiring agility to dodge the 61mm of rain that fell sporadically during the picking weeks.

**Style:** Classically proportioned wines with good balance and terroir expression.