2025 Gentle Folk Chardonnay

Increasingly, Chardonnay is becoming the headline act in the Gentle Folk range. Gareth Belton is producing some of the most thrilling examples in the Adelaide Hills, and this 2025 release might just be the most complete version of his "Village" blend yet.

This wine is a composite picture of the region, sourced from Gareth’s top sites across the Hills, including Ashton, Scary Gully, Summertown and Piccadilly. The vines range from 5 to 32 years old, digging into complex soils of sandstone, schist and quartz.

While previous releases have sometimes been tight and racy in their youth, the 2025 is noticeably richer and more generous. The fruit weight is substantial this year, and the oak integration is seamless right out of the gate.

Vinified with 100% whole clusters and aged for nine months in a mix of French and Austrian oak (20% new), it delivers exceptional flavour development. There is still that signature racy backbone of acidity, but it is wrapped in a layer of flesh and texture that makes it stunning to drink immediately. It is complex, it is settled, and it is seriously good.

94 points
"Sumptuous wine with cut and thrust, plenty of flavour, cooling saline minerality... Packs in lots of character and then has a high refreshment factor, is the gist. Complexity written into the thread of the tasting/conversation/drinking. So darn gulpable too. Wicked drink. Great chardonnay."
- Mike Bennie (The Wine Front)