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Every Vintage is different, and Vintage 2025 was certainly no exception
As we sit down now, put pen to paper 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.
Warmer than average maximum daily temperatures resulted in early bud burst, arriving nearly two weeks ahead of the long-term average. Dry conditions minimised disease pressure allowing for healthy vine growth. Consistently warm weather conditions encouraged an early veraison, and start to vintage—for many, the earliest start in memory.
Vintage 2025 was a great Litmus Test to thoroughly assess how the southern mediterranean varieties we work with can handle hot dry conditions and ultimately long term are they going to not just survive here but thrive?
We are delighted to say that they have exceeded our expectations and ultimately we couldn’t be happier.
Props in particular to the Falanghina, our “new kid on the block”. Cuttings were planted in 2022 so just babies and could have been forgiven for struggling with the at times brutal growing conditions of this season. However, they have produced an amazing fresh vibrant riesling-esque style wine that makes us very excited about this variety being in our future
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Located at the northern end of Foggo Road in McLaren Vale, the vines were planted in 2022 on deep Blewitt Springs sands. The site is south facing and offers excellent air drainage thanks to the adjacent gully that meanders west towards The Gulf Of Saint Vincent 10 km away
The 2025 growing season was the driest growing season on record in McLaren Vale. Despite the conditions, the fruit harvested was in exceptional condition, which was remarkable given the young age of the vines!
We are seriously looking forward to what this variety might become once they reach full maturity
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Hand picked right on time then whole bunch pressed. Free Run juice and Pressings were combined into a French oak demi muid. As with all our wines, no added acid, enzymes or fining agents were used. Partial malolactic fermentation, followed by four months maturation in oak
Lees stirred weekly. This variety is a joy to work with, and we think it has great potential in the future of McLaren Vale’s wine industry. Aromatic and textured the wine lifts with perfume from the glass