VINTAGE 2025
After an early, fast-paced, and compressed 2024 season, Vintage 2025 in the Blackwood Valley marked a welcome return to a more “normal” rhythm. Although harvest began at least two weeks later than last year, it still arrived 1–2 weeks ahead of the long-term average—offering growers and winemakers both relief and opportunity.
A well-timed soaking on November 19th, with most of the region receiving 60–75mm of rain, helped build strong soil moisture profiles heading into summer. That, combined with warm, dry conditions through December, January, and February, created ideal ripening conditions with minimal disease pressure.
The result? Beautifully ripe, clean fruit across the board and slightly above-average yields in most vineyards.
Andrew Dawson of Yeah Wines described 2025 Vintage as:
“A winemaker’s dream; producing beautifully balanced wines with real concentration. Our first pick was Nannup Chardonnay and it looks amazing—our grower thinks it’s their ‘best ever’ vintage. The wine, now safely locked away in oak, has real complexity and oozes class. Both our Viognier and Semillon are hallmarked by intense fruit flavour and bright natural acidity.
The reds, now finishing malolactic fermentation, are also of amazing quality. A hallmark of these wines will be the perfectly ripe, fine tannins—a result of a more classic, longer growing season than the warm 2024. While it’s still early days, these wines show serious potential to age magnificently, combining elegance and power.”
Winemaker Marie-Pierre of Sunnyhurst Winery noticed:
“Abundance of clean fruit. With not a lot of Marri bloom, we were worried about bird damage this year, but surprisingly they stayed away. Happy vintage is complete and to be back to a ‘normal’ season.”
Indeed, the sparse and late Marri blossom—common across the South West—posed a challenge in bird-prone areas. While some vineyards had to net their vines, many reported lower-than-expected bird activity.
The steady, even ripening period allowed for a thoughtful, unhurried harvest.
Brayden and Tayla of Bridgetown Winery observed:
“A steady ripening period gave us the luxury of time—each variety maturing about a week apart, allowing for precise picking decisions and a smooth flow through the winery. The fruit came in clean and vibrant, with excellent natural balance. We’re seeing great flavour concentration in the reds and lifted aromatics in the whites. It’s shaping up to be one of our most harmonious vintages yet.”
Harvesting of whites commenced in mid to late February, while reds came in from mid to late March. A rain event on March 13th brought between 18mm and 101mm across the region, giving the vines a refreshing final drink before the reds reached optimal ripeness under warm post-rain conditions.
St John’s Wine Viticulturist Ray noted “The Chardonnays exhibit vibrant fruit character, with notes of melon and stone fruit shining through. The reds are showing ripe red berries alongside the darker black fruits that are characteristic of the region. Overall, it’s a strong vintage marked by low disease pressure, healthy yields, and excellent quality.” St John’s Winemaker Kyle added “The wines are developing nicely, and from a winemaking perspective it was a breeze, with all ferments going smoothly. The reds have their usual bold fruit flavours and ripeness, but remain fresh and balanced. Tempranillo is the winner.
Vintage 2025 will be remembered for its exceptional fruit quality and ideal growing conditions. With clean, ripe fruit, excellent natural balance, and extended hang times, the wines of 2025 are set to show both finesse and depth.
Mick Hester
Upper Blackwood Estate Vineyards
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