-
Description
Perched high up in the wilds of the Adelaide Hills, the Scary Gully vineyard is one of the jewels in Gareth Belton's collection of excellent single sites and one with one of the stronger voices. The 2023 Scary Gully Chardonnay is all about precision and finesse, showcasing Gareth’s philosophy of “less is more” in both the vineyard and the cellar.
Grown at 620 metres on a ridge in Forest Range, this Chardonnay is shaped by the shallow, rocky soils—quartz rubble, sandstone, and clay—which give the wine a distinctive, almost electric minerality.
The 2023 vintage was a cool one, pushing ripening later than usual, which has added layers of complexity and nuance. It spent 11 months in French and Austrian oak (just 20% new, enough to add a little texture without taking away from the clarity of the fruit), before resting in tank and bottling. This gentle touch in the winery allows the vineyard to shine through, a true reflection of Gareth’s ethos.
With only 1,343 bottles made, this is a wine for those who appreciate purity and poise. If you’re looking for a Chardonnay that’s all about minerality and restraint, the 2023 Scary Gully Chardonnay is calling your name.
96 points
"Bacon fat, flint, a smidge of reduction with some orchard florals, preserved lemon and ginger spice. There is also a delicious saline thread stitched throughout which casts a refracted gleam over everything; it sets the palate alight. Cantelope, torched grapefruit and green almond. This is a remarkable wine of great texture and length."
- Katrina Butler (Halliday Wine Companion)
95 points
"Super mellow with slashes of brighter citrusy inflection, light, stony mineral qualities and a sense of creaminess and almond savouriness about it all. Green apple, a light spray of pink grapefruit juice, some sour dough elements, preserved lemon and the faintest gingery notes. Beautiful, so well balanced, quiet complexity and just straight up delicious. A ‘mature person wine’, if you get the drift. Just darn lovely."
- Mike Bennie (The Wine Front)
You May Also Like
