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Description
The 2023 Scary Gully Pinot Noir is all about capturing the rugged beauty of one of the highest vineyards in the Adelaide Hills. Planted back in 1984, Scary Gully sits at 620 metres and is known for producing Pinot with a wild, earthy edge. The cool, slow-growing conditions of the 2023 vintage added a bit more depth and tension to this wine, making it one of Gareth Belton’s most striking releases to date.
This Pinot is fresh and vibrant, with notes of dark berries and a subtle forest floor earthiness. The cool season has given it a fine structure and lifted perfume, while the 20% whole bunch fermentation adds a touch of complexity. Aged for 10 months in French oak (just enough new oak to add texture without overpowering the fruit), it’s a wine that balances vibrancy with just the right amount of intrigue.
With 2,454 bottles made, this is a beautiful snapshot of what Scary Gully can offer—a Pinot Noir that’s pure, fresh, and speaks to the unique character of this high-altitude vineyard. Perfect for sharing, but also worth holding onto if you can resist!
95 Points
"Peppery, herbal, lifted and grippy. A good combo of things when it strolls through a sluice of tart cherry juice and cranberry tang. Tightly coiled too, a vigorous and streamlined pinot noir, albeit it has expressive nature, a distinct personality and flair. Refreshing all up too. Detailed in its way, showing fruit, spice, savoury elements harmoniously married, though you could say the snips of whole bunch make a mark. Very good."
- Mike Bennie (The Wine Front)
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