News | Coal Pit Wines

Some vintages announce themselves with bold gestures—heatwaves, sudden frosts, or relentless winds. But 2025 was different. It unfolded with a gentle rhythm, offering a season of balance and subtlety that allowed us to craft wines of remarkable elegance and depth.

Spring arrived with cooler temperatures than usual, setting a calm tone for the growing season. The vines responded with measured growth, and the absence of extreme weather events meant we could focus on nurturing the fruit to its fullest potential.

Summer continued this trend of moderation. Days were warm but not scorching, and nights remained refreshingly cool. This diurnal variation was a blessing, allowing for slow, even ripening and the development of complex flavors and aromas.

Harvest came slightly later than in recent years, a testament to the season's unhurried pace. The fruit we brought in was pristine—small berries with concentrated flavors, vibrant acidity, and balanced sugars. 

In the winery, our approach was one of restraint. The quality of the fruit meant that minimal intervention was needed. Fermentations proceeded smoothly, and the wines began to reveal their character early on.

The Pinot Noir from this vintage is particularly noteworthy. It exhibits a harmonious balance of red fruit, subtle spice, and fine tannins—a true reflection of our Gibbston terroir. Our Chardonnay is equally compelling, with crisp acidity, notes of citrus and honey, and a mineral backbone that speaks to the season's clarity. The mineral thread runs through the Rose as well showing a delicate elegance of dry salted strawberry and white tea.

Reflecting on 2025, I'm reminded of the power of patience and the rewards of a season that allows nature to take the lead.This vintage has given us wines that are both expressive and enduring, and I look forward to sharing them with you.

These are wines we’ll remember. I hope, when you taste them, you’ll feel a little of what we felt walking those rows in the early light: clarity, purpose, and the quiet strength of the season.

Anika