Vintage
1998
Balanced
A record-sized crop that aged better than expected
Widely declared
The wettest July in 30 years, the hottest August, then September rain that swelled the berries. A huge crop, variable quality, and Chardonnay that turned out exceptional.
The harvest
Picking beganAbout 12 September
Yield 12,926 kg/ha and 332 million bottles, the largest marketable volume on record. 40 °C in August, with 5–10 per cent sunburn. Potential alcohol 9.8 per cent, acidity 8.1 g/l.