Fighting Gully

The shortlist is in, and it’s time to make a call.

This year, the 2023 Smiths Chardonnay from Fighting Gully Road (FGR) is one of just three wines in contention for White Wine of the Year for Huon Hooke’s The Real Review. The 2020 Crittenden Cri de Coeur Sous Voile Savagnin (released 1 May 2026) and the 2023 Oakridge Henk Aqueduct Chardonnay round out the trio of finalists.

Most strikingly, Huon Hooke has rated the 2023 Fighting Gully Smiths Chardonnay higher than the 2022 and 2023 vintages of its illustrious neighbour, Giaconda Estate Chardonnay.

Based in Beechworth, Fighting Gully Road works with high-altitude vineyards on granite soils, producing small-batch wines shaped by site and season. The intent is clear rather than embellished: vineyard expression first, winemaking second. The Smiths Chardonnay sits at the centre of this, from the Smiths Vineyard, Beechworth’s oldest, planted in 1978, with the line and tension that define the style.

“Such intensity and drive is almost shocking. Endless length. A great chardonnay.” – Huon Hooke

NOTE: To register your interest for fellow White Wine of the Year finalist, 2020 Crittenden Estate Cri de Coeur Sous Voile Savagnin (released 1 May 2026), please click ‘Notify Me’ and we will be in touch.