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Every Vintage is different, which is stating the obvious and Vintage 2025 was certainly no exception
As we sit down now, put pen to paper and write this mail out, much of South Australia in general, McLaren Vale specifically has experienced the driest 15 months on record since the Bureau Of Meteorology was established
For we Ramblers it is the reason why we grow and make the so-called Climate Appropriate varieties that we do
Vintage 2025 was a great Litmus Test to thoroughly assess how they can handle the conditions and ultimately long term “Are they going to work?”
We are delighted to say that the usual suspects in Arinto, Grillo, Montepulciano & Nero d’Avola have performed beautifully
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The Vineyard: Paxton’s Jones’ Block
Viticulturalist:
Paxton Viticulture’s Jones Block. Located in the Seaview Sub-region in Mclaren Vale, a stone’s throw from the d’Arrenburg Cube. Deep rich loam over limestone. The Nero d’Avola is at 110m above sea level. The site is west facing with a direct line of site to the Gulf Of Saint Vincent. North/South row orientation ensures that western side of the canopy receives maximum light interception in the afternoon, essential for colour development, intense flavours with ripe firm tannin structure. We have worked closely with our friends from Paxton Viticulture with this variety now since 2014. For us, Nero d’Avola needs some “tough love” to fully express the variety’s complexity and flavour profile and Jones Block delivers in spades the exposure required to adequately ripen the fruit.
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Fruit was harvested on the 14th of March. An exceptionally dry growing season even by McLaren Vale’s standards resulted in fruit with exceptional flavour and remarkably high levels of natural acidity. Open fermented. Pumped over twice daily for 7 days. No added acid. Pressed to 100% old French oak 300L and 500L for 4 months maturation. Bottled July 2025.
Download tasting notes