The weather phenomenon, El Niño, played more than a supporting role in the 1998 vintage. Volume was 30% up on the previous year as a consequence of the extraordinarily hot weather. Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc grapes were harvested 3 weeks earlier than normal and the subsequent wines are somewhat atypical, being almost overripe and slightly short on acidity. The Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot dominated reds of Hawke's Bay are outstanding, while quality was also very high in Central Otago.