Description
When it comes to crafting Chardonnay, Gareth Belton has truly hit his stride, and the 2023 Ashton Chardonnay is a shining example of his laid-back yet meticulous approach. This is the sixth release from his tiny 0.8-hectare block in Ashton, where the vines soak up the sun from a northerly aspect and dig deep into clay-rich soils mixed with quartz and schist. Of the three, this is the Chardonnay that has a bit more flesh than Gareth’s other single-vineyard offerings, though still decidedly on the on the elegant end of the Chardonnay spectrum.
The 2023 vintage was a cool one, which has given this wine a wonderful balance. There’s an immediate hit of stone fruit—think juicy peaches and nectarines—backed by a fine, zingy acidity that keeps it fresh and lively. It’s all about texture and depth here, but without the weight that sometimes bogs down richer Chardonnays. Gareth’s approach is simple: whole bunch pressed, settled overnight, then left undisturbed in French and Austrian oak (20% new) for 11 months to let the vineyard speak for itself.
This is a Chardonnay for those who appreciate nuance—a wine that shows a bit of generosity now but will only become more complex with age. With just 932 bottles produced, it’s a rare gem, offering a snapshot of what makes Ashton such a special site in the Adelaide Hills. If you’re looking for a wine that marries bold flavours with finesse, the 2023 Ashton Chardonnay has your name on it.
95 points
"A rich, delicious wine. Délice liberally spread on honey toast. Walnut and spiced quince with some bacon fat, too. The gravity and weight of its fruit – white nectarine, candied melon and waxy lime – ensures a slow and low sashay across the palate. Muslin-like phenolic grip and vibrant lemony sorbet stitch seams over and through, leaving the recipient with little patience between sips."
- Katrina Butler (Halliday Wine Companion)
95 points
"Heady aromas of nougat, white stone fruit, ripe melon, grilled nuts, bacon fat and panforte. Creamy, mouth-filling, textured and with plenty of layers of flavour. Lashings of peach, nectarine, nutty oak, cream and sweet spice. Long, complex and with plenty of sophistication and drive."
- Aaron Brasher (The Real Review)
| Price Bracket | $51 to $100 |
| Type | White |
| Body | Medium Bodied |
| Variety | Chardonnay |
| Country | Australia |
| Region | Adelaide Hills |
| Australian State | SA |
| Feature |
High Score |
| Reviewed By |
The Wine Front The Real Review Halliday Wine Companion |
| Critic Score |
93 95 |
| Size | 750ml |
| Vintage | 2023 |
| Closure | Cork |
Gentle Folk
Gareth Belton in one of his vineyards - Basket Range, Adelaide Hills, SA Gentle Folk
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