The People

The 2025 harvest marks the final vintage in a 28-year legacy for husband-and-wife team Neil Macgregor and Fiona Wholahan at Yass River Vineyard. After nearly three decades of care, patience and dedication, this final harvest celebrates the lasting imprint they have made on the land - leaving it in a better place for those who follow. Whether at home in Murrumbateman or sailing warmer waters further north, they do so with the satisfaction of knowing they have nurtured something truly special.

The Land

Situated in the northern reaches of Murrumbateman, overlooking the Yass River, the vineyard sits on gently sloping, north-facing land, with predominantly granite soils that offer excellent drainage. Neil’s soil-first philosophy has been central to the vineyard’s evolution, guiding a more organic and considered approach to farming and nurturing the health of the land.

The Wine

The 2025 Yass River Shiraz is a perfumed expression of Murrumbateman Shiraz. Hand-picked fruit, including 30% whole bunch, was fermented together across two clones, PT23 and 1654, using indigenous yeasts. The wine shows lifted florals and perfume, with vibrant red fruits of raspberry, red cherry and wild strawberry, giving the palate a bright, delicate and expressive character.

Gentle to moderate extraction through pump-overs and drain-and-returns preserved the brightness and perfume of the fruit, while maturation in French oak puncheons provides a subtle framework, adding gentle spice and texture without overshadowing the vineyard’s character.