It's always a pleasure to see the Gentle Folk Single Vineyard release popping up on my calendar, a much anticipated release of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and one very special Sangiovese, from exceptional vineyards in the Adelaide Hills.
Gentle Folk could hardly be a more perfect name for the duo that is Gareth and Rainbo Belton. They came to winemaking following an early career focused in marine sciences and studies in seaweed biodiversity, finding a remarkable number of transferrable skills between the two. Thankfully, this is reflected moreso in the technical quality and high standard of winemaking they have established as the norm at Gentle Folk - not a trace of seaweed remains.
2024 saw a return to form for Gentle Folk's yields, after three years of more than 50% loss of crop. 2024 was far more bountiful, allowing them to go in and select their fruit with a fine tooth comb. Near perfect weather has allowed each site's individuality shine in the final product, something Gareth explains in his notes below. I found the wines to be upfront, though not over the top, and with much to offer should you cellar for the next 5 years at a minimum.
2024 Gentle Folk Piccadilly Chardonnay | $70
"The classic Piccadilly power and flair along with citrus, melons, ripe fruit, a hint of new oak and impressive acid…a complete package and the reason this part of the Hills is often referred to as the “Grand Cru” section." Gareth Belton, Winemaker
2024 Gentle Folk Scary Gully Chardonnay | $70
"Scary Gully has a fine boned line from the shallow rocky soils its grown on high up in Forest Range. The wine is all about the minerality with hints of lime, fennel seeds, alpine hebs and white peach. Its driven, it’s distinct, it’s one of the great sites in the Adelaide Hills." Gareth Belton, Winemaker
2024 Gentle Folk Little Creek Pinot Noir | $70
"The vine density [in Little Creek] is double and the soil much more rocky that that of its neighbours. This usually shows through in the wine having more fruit density, with much darker and earthier characters." Gareth Belton, Winemaker
2024 Gentle Folk Scary Gully Pinot Noir | $70
"The 2024 season was mild and dry, and although yields were low, the grapes were pristine, and the resulting wine is beautifully balanced, perfumed and pure, all hallmarks of a great season for the site." Gareth Belton, Winemaker
2024 Gentle Folk Onkaparinga Sangiovese | $70
"This is the second rendition of this wine and its a ripper. Some more meatiness and red fruit than the cool and late 2023 vintage, but still showing plenty of delicate aromatics, spiciness and tannins. Its such a great variety for the region and we hope to see more of it going into the ground and mouths in the future." Gareth Belton, Winemaker
