The 2025 Gentle Folk Scary Gully Pinot Noir comes from Gentle Folk's highest and coolest vineyard, a steep rocky ridge at Forest Range. The Beltons have farmed it without irrigation for over a decade. In 2025 it is a slightly plumper wine than the 2023 and 2024, with the vineyard's forest-floor character intact.
Scary Gully was planted in 1984 at 620 metres on south-east and south-west slopes of shallow quartz rubble over siltstone, sandstone and clay. Picked 6 March 2025, fermented as whole berries and whole bunches, then nine months in French oak (20% new) and three months in tank. Bottled 3 March 2026; 2,706 bottles.
Lifted perfume, red and black cherry, liquorice, spice and orange peel, an earthy forest-floor note, and fine, grippy tannin running to a long mineral finish. Compact and coiled now; it opens with air.
94 points, Gary Walsh, The Wine Front: the tannin is a highlight, with a chamois-like grip.
Ben’s Recommendation:
The most structured and age-worthy of the three 2025 Pinots. Decant for an hour if opening now, or cellar five to ten years. Duck, venison, or a mushroom and thyme risotto.
