Marlborough is a young wine region, with a history that dates back just 40 years. So the unusual weather conditions of 2015 - the driest summer on record for 85 years - posed a particular challenge for staff at Brancott Estate’s vineyards; they had no reference point for how their fruit would react.

“We had a cool start which moderated the crop levels,” says Patrick Materman, Chief Winemaker. But despite average temperatures during flowering season, the region experienced a mercury-shattering hot and dry summer.

“The warm and dry ripening season has given us exceptional quality and fantastic, concentrated flavours,” explains Patrick. “All of the wines for 2015 have pure, bright flavours with a beautiful palate weight.”

Patrick is particularly impressed with early results from the new Sauvignon Gris.

“It is looking incredible. Last year we were really happy with this varietal from a winemaking perspective, and with the exceptional fruit we harvested this season, we think this is the year where people will really stand up and take notice of this emerging varietal.

“The 2015 vintage will be one for the record books.”