Vintage 2025: Fast, Furious, and Full of Flavour

Company News | May 2025

The 2025 vintage will go down as one of the fastest and hottest in recent memory – a year defined by persistent heat, below-average rainfall, and compressed harvest windows across many of Australia’s key winegrowing regions.

A season of extremes

Reds are bold and ripe, yet still structured, thanks to smart timing and sharp cellar choices.

From the Riverland to Murray Darling, the vintage came and went in a flash — an early start, a whirlwind middle, and a wrap-up before the end of March. That’s almost unheard of, with most regions typically harvesting well into April.

Despite the heat, rapid decision-making in both vineyard and winery paid off. White varietals — picked early and with precision — are showing vibrant acidity and clean profiles. Reds are bold and ripe, yet still structured, thanks to smart timing and sharp cellar choices.

Innovation in the cellar

With three varietals often picked in a single week, the team relied on selective harvesting, modern tech, and tight cellar coordination to stay ahead.

“One standout tool this year was the ‘continuous float’ system, which helped clarify white juice rapidly and maintain quality despite fast turnaround times,” said Pia Merrick, Head Winemaker.

She added, “Powdered oak tannin added structure and complexity to several white programs, particularly Chardonnay.”

Smart ferment management, custom yeast selection, and meticulous temperature control ensured the wines emerged fresh, focused, and expressive — despite the pace and pressure.

Senior Viticulture Manager Jurie Germishuys noted that the team’s use of precision irrigation technology also helped monitor water usage and boost resource efficiency across the board.

Sustainability in focus

Sustainability was a key focus throughout vintage 2025. In response to the season’s extremes, the team trialled new approaches to reduce environmental impact and improve efficiency — from streamlined cellar workflows to low-impact additives.

“Precision irrigation led to significant water savings, while increased use of renewable energy helped reduce our operational carbon footprint,” said Jurie.

These initiatives not only supported a successful vintage, but also laid a stronger foundation for the long-term sustainability of our vineyards.

“We ran several different trials with Chardonnay as part of our Environment and Sustainability Program,” added Pia.

Notably, 92% of our crush was certified under Sustainable Winegrowing Australia — a clear marker of our commitment to responsible, future-ready winemaking.

What to expect in the glass

In short? Fruit-driven, vibrant, and expressive.

Whites are crisp and acid-driven — Pinot Grigio shows red apple and pear, while Chardonnay benefits from subtle oak and lees work to bring depth and weight.

Reds, especially Shiraz and Cabernet, are richly coloured and well-structured, with bold dark fruit and peppery spice.

92% of our crush was certified under Sustainable Winegrowing Australia

“I believe 2025 will be remembered as a high-quality vintage across the regions we work with,” said Head Winemaker James Evers.

“While there may be broader concerns about frost-affected fruit, this wasn’t the case for us. We’re seeing excellent intensity in both whites and reds, particularly from South Australia’s premium regions.”

Looking ahead

The 2025 vintage won’t just be remembered for its heat — but for how we responded.

It was a year that redefined what agility, innovation, and sustainability look like in practice. And it set a strong tone for what’s ahead.

This success is a direct reflection of the expertise, discipline, and commitment of our winemaking and viticulture teams. In the face of extreme conditions and compressed harvest windows, their ability to adapt, stay precise, and lean into innovation delivered standout wines.

Whether you’re enjoying a bottle from our Single Batch range or a Silver Series classic, one thing’s certain: 2025 brought intensity, creativity, and quality in equal measure.

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