Vintage 2025: Reflections from the Strathbogie Ranges
Our harvest in the Strathbogies has wrapped, and what a season it’s been. Winemaker Matt Harrop shares his reflections on a vintage that delivered both surprises and standout quality across the board.
“It’s a pretty unique place to grow grapes up here,” Matt says. “After years working with Pinot, to see the depth and vibrancy in the reds just 12 hours after picking – that was really exciting.”
It wasn’t just the reds that impressed. The whites were expressive and aromatic right off ferment, offering a clear window into the strength of the growing season.
A key feature of the 2025 vintage was the weather: solid rain through spring and early summer, followed by an extended dry period from January. That rare balance allowed us to pick when fruit was truly ready – with no pressure and plenty of time to let flavour and tannin develop naturally. Cooler nights gave the vines a chance to rest, adding freshness and structure to the final wines.
Standout Varietals
Shiraz emerged as one of the real stars – black-fruited, dense and now slowly revealing its complexity as it finishes malolactic fermentation. Riesling was also a highlight, showing great aromatic detail, and Chardonnay offered a surprise: tight, mineral and full of energy.
Matt was particularly pleased with the Italian varietals this year: “Sangiovese, Arneis and Vermentino all showed more weight and presence than in cooler years. That warm ripening window really gave them a boost.”
Cabernet Sauvignon was described as “measured and aromatic with beautiful tannin”. And then there was the Vermentino – a variety that surprised everyone. Picked when the berries looked more like table grapes than wine fruit, the juice seemed neutral at first. But the finished wine? “It’s so moorish – crisp, bright, perfect for a warm afternoon. It really works well here in the Strathbogies.”
In the Winery
New open fermenters were introduced this year, allowing for greater control of whole-berry ferments and giving a lift to both perfume and structure. It’s a small change with a noticeable impact. We also do much more handpicking across both Chardonnay and Gamay with some very exciting results.
Looking Ahead
Matt sums it up best:
“We’ve had a really lovely vintage. There’s a quiet energy in these wines and a measured confidence about what’s coming. I can’t wait to show people what’s in barrel.”
Stay tuned for release updates — we think this vintage is going to turn heads!