Product Description:
Power and restraint — a viognier of delicacy, structure and serious intent.
By Farr Viognier 2024 brings elegance to a variety often prone to excess. From two distinct vineyards in the Moorabool Valley—one the original house block planted in 1994, the other a younger site on ironstone—the wine reflects the Farrs' uncompromising approach to site and style.
Foot-stomped, skin-contacted and barrel-fermented with full solids, this is viognier handled like serious white Burgundy. Fermentation and élevage in barrel, with malolactic gently encouraged, add textural weight without losing precision. The result is a viognier of lifted stone fruits, ginger spice, and underlying phenolic grip that tightens the whole experience into something quietly thrilling.
Drink now with bottle-age benefit, or cellar short-to-mid term. Serve with spiced seafood, roast quail, or rich vegetable dishes like braised fennel or pumpkin.
Maker
The Real Review awarded 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.
Philosophy
At By Farr, the philosophy is simple: respect for the land, the vine, and the fruit. This approach is grounded in a commitment to sustainable, organic farming practices, as well as hands-off winemaking that lets the terroir speak for itself. The Farr family believes that a great wine starts in the vineyard, with meticulous attention to detail paid to every aspect of vineyard management, from canopy care to harvest timing. Winemaking follows a minimalist approach, with native yeast fermentation, careful barrel selection, and the avoidance of fining and filtration, allowing each wine to evolve naturally and express its true character. This approach has resulted in wines that are elegant, structured, and complex, capturing the unique essence of the Geelong region.
Tasting Notes
NOSE
– Perfumed and poised
Lifted peach, apricot skin and spring florals, underpinned by ginger and citrus pith.
PALATE
– Textural and tight
Luscious stone fruits meet cool-climate acidity, carried by chalky texture and a thread of spice.
FINISH
– Fresh and persistent
Savoury phenolic length and subtle oak, finishing with ginger, white flowers and restrained power.
The Finer Details
Style - White Wine
Varietal - Viognier
Country - Australia
Region - Geelong, Victoria
Vintage - 2024
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13.5%
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