PENFOLDS Reserve Bin 21A Chardonnay, Adelaide Hills

GinGin. A clone from California, perhaps, but a wine with all of the hallmarks of the Jura. Golden to the eye with an open, slightly oxidative nose (think cashew nuts). Juniper berries and alpine wild flowers with a fresh, rounded texture. Born in the Piccadilly Valley not far from Swaby geographically, made identically in the winery, but ultimately continents apart stylistically. 100% Piccadilly Chardonnay, handpicked, wild-yeast fermentation, whole bunch pressed to barrel, some bâttonage, 10 months in 25% new French oak, unfiltered and unfined, only 50 dozen made.

For 7 years now, the fruit came from Gibbo’s Vineyard, high in the Piccadilly Valley. Located 560 meters above sea level, nights are cool and the days are fresh, making the region perfect for fruit ripening. Like the previous vintage it has all the hall marks of a great modern chardonnay. According to Halliday, it has great texture, flavour and length. There’s almost a chalkiness to the finish, but there’s plenty of stone fruit, green apple and toast flavours. Finishing with a gentle almond milk character adding that something extra.

Honeydew and brown lime flavours intertwine with a smooth and creamy mid palate. Fine natural acidity give great length and balances the textural oak characters.

Bright, fresh, end effortlessly elegant, this Méthode Traditionelle Blanc de Blancs is a pure expression of our Chardonnay fruit. Crafted in the traditional method and spending 14 months on lees, it showcases a fine, persistent bead that carries vibrant aromas of candied lemon and zesty sherbet. The palate is silky yet energetic, with a beautifully balanced acidity that lifts the citrus driven profile. A touch of lemon curd lingers on the finish, adding a delicate touch of richness that perfectly compliments the wine's crisp, youthful vibrancy.

The S&G range is the pinnacle of Mt Lofty Ranges Vineyard's craftsmanship. This wine captures the quiet confidence and layered complexity of our Lenswood site. Made from 100% whole bunch pressed fruit, it delivers pristine purity with lifted notes of citrus, nectarine, white peach and nashi pear. Subtle nougat and lees derived richness add depth, while ageing in 1 yr old French oak brings gentle toast and texture without overshadowing the fruit. This Chardonnay is beautifully restrained, an elegant, introverted wine that rewards patience, revealing more nuance with every sip. A true expression of Lenswood, it speaks softly but leaves a lasting impression.

The Aspire Chardonnay is a stunning example of Lenswood at its most expressive, handpicked from the warmest, driest section at the top of the hill to capture maximum ripeness and intensity. It opens with delicate stone fruit and citrus aromas, layered with a hint of crunchy green apple for freshness. On the palate, it's all about elegance and complexity while 60% malolactic fermentation lends a soft, creamy texture that wraps around the vibrant fruit. Pristine, poised and beautifully balanced, this is a luxurious Chardonnay that speaks to the very best of the Adelaide Hills.

Gareth and Rainbo Belton are the creative force behind Gentle Folk Wines, a small family winery located on Peramangk Country in beautiful Basket Range, in the Adelaide Hills, South Australia. In their previous careers the couple worked as marine scientist