As the last of the 2025 vintage grapes made their way into our cellar, we took a collective pause—grateful, optimistic and truth be told, quietly thrilled. The 2025 growing season and harvest have given us reason to reflect on what matters most: resilient vineyards, favourable weather, focused viticulture and the unrelenting pursuit of quality that defines our work at Mulderbosch.
Climate & Seasonal Conditions
The 2025 season began with a promising start, marked by generous winter rainfall that replenished soil moisture and filled dams across the Western Cape. The timing of budburst was slightly delayed, a blessing in disguise that allowed vines to sleep a little longer. Spring and early summer unfolded with moderate, dry conditions—ideal for even canopy development and fruit set.
A brief but intense heatwave in December tested the resilience of vineyards in inland regions, but thanks to the cooling maritime influence and careful vineyard management, the fruit retained excellent balance. Disease pressure was remarkably low throughout the season, allowing for clean and healthy yields.
In short, the 2025 growing season was as close to textbook as one could hope for in the Cape.
Stellenbosch: A Vintage of Poise and Power
At Mulderbosch, Stellenbosch remains the heart of our production and in 2025 it delivered fruit of exceptional purity, structure and varietal clarity across the board.
- Sauvignon Blanc was harvested with precision, showing remarkable freshness, bright acidity and expressive aromatics.
- Chenin Blanc offered generous texture and complexity, balancing ripe stone fruit with subtle saline undertones.
- Chardonnay matured steadily and evenly, yielding fruit with excellent tension and natural elegance—ideal for both stainless-steel and barrel-fermented expressions.
- Cabernet Sauvignon displayed the hallmarks of a great vintage: deep colour, firm tannin and concentration without excess weight.
- Merlot shone with vivid red fruit, polished tannins and an impressive sense of structure.
- Cabernet Franc continued to impress with lifted aromatics, finesse and an unmistakable sense of place.
- Petit Verdot offered small, intensely pigmented berries and aromatic depth—perfect for blending.
Stellenbosch, Swartland & Darling: Vibrancy in Rosé
While Stellenbosch anchors our reds and structured whites, our Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé finds its home in all three distinct regions: Stellenbosch, Swartland and Darling.
The 2025 season in these regions was marked by consistently dry weather with well-timed ripening phases. Swartland in particular, benefited from concentrated diurnal shifts, enhancing flavour development and preserving acidity. The resulting Rosé base wines from both regions are vibrant in colour, with lifted red berry aromas, bright citrus undertones and a subtle, savoury edge that adds complexity.
We anticipate the 2025 Mulderbosch Rosé will once again deliver a compelling expression of site and style—crisp, elegant and unmistakably refreshing.
Looking Forward
As the wines now begin their quiet evolution in tank and barrel, we look forward with great anticipation. Vintage 2025 will be remembered for its clarity, consistency and composure—a year in which nature cooperated and the vineyards responded in kind.
To our growers, cellar team and partners across the globe: thank you. It is your continued support, dedication and belief in our mission that allows us to do what we love—crafting wines that bring joy, conversation and connection to your tables.
Here’s to the 2025 vintage—and to the journey ahead.
Warm Regards,
Henry Kotzé