The 2025 vintage in McLaren Vale was one of the driest growing seasons we've experienced since 2006, with warm, drought-like conditions prompting an early and compressed harvest. The season began in September with warm, dry weather, leading to an early budburst and flowering. Fortunately, our access to water reserves allowed healthy canopy growth, even as the headlands turned to dustbowls. While other parts of South Australia suffered significant frost damage, our vineyards were spared. A moderate summer followed, with only a handful of days over 35°C and just one day reaching 40°C.
These dry conditions brought welcome benefits—exceptionally low disease pressure, balanced yields, and fruit of outstanding quality. The whites are vibrant and well-balanced, while the reds have developed remarkable colour and structure, now resting in oak and promising great depth and longevity.
Harvest commenced a week earlier than 2024, with a condensed vintage we finished with the Maxwell team handpicking some Mataro for our last fruit on the 20th March. One of the first Easters off that our winemaking team can remember. Overall, an excellent year to stock up your cellar.
