Vintage Report : 1998
Margaret River - 6/10
Late summer rains dashed many hopes and un-netted vineyards were dive-bombed by squadrons of silvereyes. It turned out to be quite a difficult vintage. Those who waited out the unseasonable rains before picking saw good batches of fruit and, despite the vicissitudes of grape growing, some exceptional wines were made. Some Botrytis characters can be found in the Chardonnays.
Great Southern - 7/10
Average winter rains restored soil moistures and dam levels. Summer was essentially dry and warm, but was punctuated by heat waves in November and February. Rain threatened the harvest, although Shiraz fruit was of good quality. Some good wines were made.