Product Information:
A pitch perfect Farrside Pinot Noir and an excellent addition for serious cellars. There’s real intensity to this release, its vibrancy almost underplays the density of this wine. Just bristling with savouriness and has layers of complexity.
The Farrside vineyard sits on a northeast-facing slope and consists of limestone topped with black volcanic soil. The vines were planted in 2001 and run east-west to protect the fruit from overexposure to the sun. The clones are a mixture of 114, 115, 777, 667 and MV6. Even though the Farrside and Sangreal vineyards are only 300 metres apart, the darker soils and cooler growing conditions of the Farrside vineyard mean these grapes are picked 10 to 12 days after all others and produce a more masculine and edgy wine.
The fruit is hand-picked and sorted in the vineyard, then fermented in an open-top fermenter. Between 40-50% of the fruit will be stemmed and then cold soaked for four days. We use only the natural yeast for the fermentation process, which takes roughly 12 days. Grape-stomping (known as pigeage) will occur two to three times a day depending on the amount of extraction required, and the wine is then placed in 50-60% new Allier barrels by gravity. It is racked by gas after secondary fermentation, then again at 18 months to be bottled.
Maker:
The Real Review award By Farr, Winery of the Year 2022, a preeminent winery in the Geelong region, its vineyards and winery located at Bannockburn in the Moorabool Valley just outside Geelong city.
The Farr Family established the By Farr brand in 1994, on a north-facing slope in the township of Bannockburn, Moorabool Valley. The original wines included Chardonnay by Farr, Viognier by Farr, Shiraz by Farr, and Pinot Noir by Farr, now known as Sangreal by Farr. With the help of Cassie and Nick, the vineyards have expanded to neighbouring properties, resulting in greater expression of the single-site wines. The wines of By Farr are renowned for their complexity, layered structure and undeniable length, making them highly regarded by both consumers and critics worldwide. The Farr estate is located in the Moorabool Valley, between Geelong and Ballarat, 100km southwest of Melbourne. Gary and Robyn Farr purchased the original property in 1994, followed by a second section in 1998, which had been untouched for almost 40 years. The final piece of the puzzle, linking the two blocks of land, was purchased by Nick and Cassie Farr in 2011, totaling 130 acres. Nick and Gary Farr each have their own winemaking style, which has resulted in their respective lines - By Farr by Gary and Farr Rising by Nick - receiving critical acclaim both in Australia and overseas.
Nick Farr was Gourmet Traveller Wine magazine's Winemaker of the Year in 2020, but he is always quick to emphasise that By Farr is a family affair and the wines are a team effort. Indeed, Gary Farr won the same award back in 2001. It's the only two-generation winning combination. But the Farrs shrink from the idea that the winemaker is some kind of hero: it's the grape and the land that are important - the wines are a true testament to this.
Vineyard:
The 2022 vintage started with a third consecutive wet Winter to Spring. Despite hopes for abundant fruit due to slightly warmer soils before bud burst, and despite storms and humidity until late January, our team managed to maintain healthy canopies and fruit. February brought a turn in the season, with berries gaining colour and flavour depth by March. They began picking Pinot and Chardonnay in mid to late March, benefiting from a long, mild season that showcased site expressions. Credit goes to the team once again as the ferments were very expressive and show the potential you come to expect of a dry season with cool evenings. The whites have tension while lush in fruit characteristics. While the reds are building in complexity with every month they are left in barrel.
Nose - Bright Spicy Fruit, Dark Spices, Cured Meats
Darker spice notes and bright spicy fruit. There’s real intensity on the nose, its vibrancy almost underplays the density of this wine.
Palate - Rhubarb, Red Cherry, Mineral Flavours
Substantial and svelte but meaty with it. Rhubarb and red cherry flavours with undergrowth motoring beneath.
Finish - Twigs, Earth, Cool Spices
This is a firm yet delicate wine with a long-textured finish.
The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Pinot Noir
Country - Australia
Region - Geelong, Victoria
Vintage - 2022
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13.5%
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