The 2025 harvest at Paul Clüver Family Wines in Elgin commenced slightly later than usual, following a cool, temperate growing season that has yielded exceptional fruit. This year’s Chardonnay displays vibrant acidity and an expressive spectrum of varietal flavours, while the Pinot Noir shows remarkable concentration, silky tannins, and a rich, robust colour. As the signature Burgundian varieties of the cool-climate Elgin Valley, these wines reflect the terroir and pioneering spirit that has shaped viticulture in the region for decades.
Harvest began in mid-February with Chardonnay, which continued through mid-March. Pinot Noir followed shortly after and concluded around the same time.
Andries Burger, Cellarmaster at Paul Clüver Family Wines, attributes the outstanding quality of the fruit and the exceptional fermenting wines in the cellar to the ideal weather patterns experienced throughout the year.
“Following last year’s harvest, conditions turned cool to cold, with timely rainfall rejuvenating the vineyards,” he explains. “A wet and chilly winter allowed the vines an extended period of deep dormancy. Our commitment to regenerative farming benefited greatly from the wet winter, which supported the growth of extensive cover crops—essential for soil health, nutrient cycling, weed suppression, nitrogen fixation, and carbon sequestration.”
Spring brought an uneven bud-break in some Chardonnay blocks, leading to instances of millerandage at harvest. However, slow and consistent ripening contributed to impressive flavour development and depth. The cooler temperatures persisted through spring and summer, enhancing the natural acidity in both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir—one of the hallmarks of this year’s vintage.
“Elgin experienced an exceptionally cool January, which played a pivotal role in shaping this vintage,” says Burger. “We had a reduction of more than 50% in temperature hours above 28°C, significantly reducing heat stress on the vines and allowing for slow, even ripening.”
As a result, the grapes arrived at the cellar in pristine condition, with no disease pressure and perfectly balanced ripeness. As per Paul Clüver Family Wines’ meticulous harvest protocol, the fruit was placed in cold storage post-harvest to ensure optimal freshness before sorting and destemming commenced.
All wines undergo spontaneous fermentation, and this year’s vintage is already showing remarkable character. “Alongside firm acidity, we are seeing moderate alcohol levels across the board,” says Burger. “Many wines are still undergoing fermentation in their assigned vessels—whether small oak barrels, foudrés, stainless steel, or concrete eggs.”
The completed Chardonnays are refined, offering a luxurious mouthfeel and layered citrus complexity. Pinot Noir, benefiting from its extended cool ripening period, exhibits profound flavour development, commanding palate weight, exquisite garnet hues, and seamless, silky tannins.
“This is a truly exceptional year for our Burgundian varieties,” Burger concludes. “In the cellar, there is palpable excitement about the journey ahead for these wines, as they evolve and come into their own.”
