The 2018 growing season began slowly, with cool early spring conditions delaying initial growth. However, a turn toward warmer weather in late spring and early summer helped accelerate vine development and support a healthy fruit set across the vineyard. From January through to April, the region experienced a run of warm, dry weather that encouraged steady ripening and strong sugar accumulation.
While the season leaned warm overall, a cooler-than-average March brought welcome relief and allowed for optimal diurnal temperature shifts—warm days for ripening and cool nights to preserve acidity, colour and aromatic complexity. This balance between heat and cool helped produce fruit with excellent ripeness and structure. Yields were moderate, but bunch and berry condition was excellent throughout harvest.
The resulting whites show generosity of fruit with good natural balance, while the reds—particularly Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet—display richness, depth and fine tannins. 2018 stands out as a warm vintage tempered by well-timed cool periods, offering wines with both power and finesse.