Growing Season
Good late winter cold units resulted in even, timely budding, additionally helped by a few warmer days at just the right time. Canopy growth was the best we have seen in 5 years and moderate yields were perfectly in balance with canopy size. In general, 2025 will be seen as one of the top South African vintages and Sauvignon blanc and Pinotage certainly benefitted from the benign conditions. Winter rainfall was higher than average, and rainfall from budbreak to veraison was lower than average, as was rainfall from ripening to harvest. Disease pressure was particularly mild compared to the previous 2 vintages. At 25.35 centigrade for the average maximum temperatures for the 4 “hottest” months (Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar) building up to and during harvest, 2025 was a touch warmer than 2024 (25.05) and warmer than the particularly cool 2023 (24.18). Harvest finished quite early, almost entirely in the month of February, with a little Pinotage coming in on March 3rd. Our Pinotage had particularly small berries and thick skins, while our Sauvignon blanc acids were wonderfully high at harvest, with healthy low pH’s. The wines produced have beautiful texture and electricity. Altogether a great vintage.
