The 2025 Vintage.
The growing season leading into the 2025 vintage at Paramoor was defined by warm, dry and stable conditions across the Macedon Ranges. Spring established clean canopies with strong early growth, and with the absence of major weather pressures, other than sunburn risk and humidity in patches, this allowed the vineyard to progress through flowering and fruit set with very good balance. The season continued with long, settled periods of warmth through summer and early autumn, giving the fruit steady and even ripening.
These conditions allowed picking decisions to be made calmly and precisely, with each varietal harvested in its optimal window rather than being driven by weather events. The vineyard carried healthy crops and fruit arrived at the winery in excellent condition, showing strong flavour development, balanced acidity and very good phenolic maturity.
Vintage began at Will’s Vineyard in the latter part of April, with harvest unfolding in an orderly progression through the blocks. The stable weather and dry conditions meant fruit could remain on the vine to reach full flavour expression without compromising freshness.
The resulting wines show purity of fruit, depth of flavour and excellent structure. Overall, the 2025 vintage stands as one of the most complete seasons experienced at Will’s Vineyard, producing fruit of outstanding quality across all varieties.
Grapegrowing and Winemaking: Geoff Plahn and Steve Flamsteed, with assistance from Samantha Scarratt in the vineyard
Vinification.
Yields: < 2 tonnes per acre
Hand harvesting
100% wild yeast fermentation
Natural malolactic fermentation in barrel
12 months in French oak, 20% new oak
‘MV6 and MV5 clones between 20 and 25 years old. Picked at 12 Baume. Approx.25% whole bunch fermented. Aged 10 months in Francois Frere, 20% New 12% Alc.’
“Despite its 12.5% ABV, the Pinot comes across as supremely ripe, showing lots of confectionery upon opening. With a bit of breathing, the fruit turns darker and more supple – red cherry, strawberry, lots of sour cherry – and some added pepper and a touch of stemminess. In the mouth, the wine glides with abundant silkiness, while the plentiful acidity makes for a lively palate, bringing you back for a second sip. With even more air, the fruit characters turn savoury, and I feel the Pinot still has a few years before it’ll be showing its best, as often happens with this tempestuous and rewarding grape.” 93 Brendan Black