As the Northern Hemisphere wraps up its harvest, we are beginning to see the first releases from the Southern Hemisphere’s 2025 vintage — and what a season it was.Across many cooler-producing regions in Australia and New Zealand, producers report balanced growing seasons, clean fruit, and classic regional character — an ideal outcome for white varieties in particular.We are delighted to introduce three 2025 whites that capture this diversity of place and style, along with comments from the winemakers.1. Southern Cross, Marlborough, New Zealand◆ Classic precision and vibrancyThe 2025 season in Marlborough unfolded almost ideally. A warm, dry spring set up excellent flowering, followed by a cooler summer that preserved the region’s signature acidity. With no frost or disease pressure and balanced soil moisture, growers could focus on flavour development rather than firefighting.Harvest began in mid-March and finished by mid-April, slightly earlier than average, with fruit picked in pristine condition. Sauvignon Blanc in particular shows all the hallmarks of great Marlborough vintages — lifted aromatics, crisp natural acidity, and generous tropical and citrus notes.After two seasons of reduced yields due to challenging spring conditions, winemakers are no doubt happy to see lively, pure expressions with tension and length — the freshness and drive that made Marlborough world-famous.Chief Winemaker Paul Dawick says:“This year’s Sauvignon Blanc shows excellent acidity. At our Kuranui Vineyard, we picked high-quality, flavourful fruit for the different varietals across the vineyard. Stable weather during harvest allowed us to pick at the best time for optimal balance and flavour.”Southern Cross Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2025 (Screw Cap)Varietal: Sauvignon BlancAlc.12.1%RRP incl. tax ¥2,640CODE:133582. Pizzini Wines, King Valley, Victoria, Australia◆ Cool-season elegance and balance in white winesKing Valley in the high country of Victoria enjoyed one of its best white vintages in recent years. After a cool start, February brought more typical summer warmth, creating a long, even ripening window — ideal for aromatic whites.The 2025 season was “great,” with no major frost or disease challenges, and yields were both high and of great quality. At Pizzini, where Italian varietals have long found a natural home, the cooler start followed by steady warmth produced whites of delicacy and balance. The 2025 Pinot Grigio is a standout — lifted pear and citrus-blossom aromatics, supple texture, and a refreshing mineral edge.Chief Winemaker Joel Pizzini shares:“The cooler temperatures allowed for an initial slower ripening of the fruit, but bursts of warmer weather meant a large proportion of the vineyards ripened at a similar time. That always brings a bit of a juggle in the winery — but the adrenaline is what vintage is all about. Nothing our team can’t handle.”He adds:“2025 has been a big year for many of us — for so many reasons. As the year comes to an end, I hope you can celebrate with a glass of wine surrounded by family and friends. Wishing you a successful 2026.”Pizzini Pinot Grigio 2025 (Screw Cap)Varietal: Pinot Grigio 100%Alc.12.5%RRP incl. tax ¥3,025CODE:133883. Leeuwin Estate, Margaret River, Western Australia◆ クラシックな安定感、清らかな白ワイン◆ Classic conditions, pristine whitesIn 2025, Margaret River once again delivered textbook balance. Late-winter rains replenished dams and soils, with Riesling budburst beginning in late August and continuing into early September. Classic spring weather promoted vigorous canopy growth, supporting fruit development through a warm, dry summer moderated by the region’s famous sea breezes.Harvest of Riesling commenced on 17 February and spanned ten cool nights — each pick timed to capture delicate aromatics, vivid fruit character, and crisp acidity. The vintage produced clean, aromatic fruit with high natural acidity and above-average yields.With ideal growing and ripening phases, 2025 showcased the full potential of Leeuwin Estate’s old-vine blocks. Modest yields contributed to heightened fruit complexity, resulting in a vintage defined by elegance, intensity, and remarkable balance.The Leeuwin Estate Art Series Riesling 2025 captures this beautifully — a poised, citrus-driven wine of great clarity and age-worthy structure, reinforcing Margaret River’s reputation as one of Australia’s most consistent high-quality regions.Leeuwin Estate Art Series Riesling 2025 (Screw Cap)Varietal: Riesling 100%Alc.11.5%Residual Sugar: 0.42g/LRRP incl. tax ¥3,850CODE:13324Netting over the vines stops birds from eating the fruit.