by Farr "Farrside" Pinot Noir 2023
(Geelong, Australia)
Regular price $95.00 Sale price $84.99 Save $10.01
About the Winery:
By Farr Wines is a family-owned winery founded in 1994 by Gary and Robyn Farr in Victoria’s Moorabool Valley, between Geelong and Ballarat, about 100km southwest of Melbourne. Grape growing in this region dates back more than 200 years, with Swiss settlers planting Victoria’s first vineyards here in the early 1800s.
Drawn to the region’s cool climate and distinctive terroir, the Farr family established vineyards dedicated to expressive, site-driven wines. Today, the 130-acre estate comprises 36 acres under vine, with the balance devoted to grazing and cropping for cattle and horses.
The vineyards are planted with a combination of Viognier, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Gamay and Shiraz, and farmed with a focus on quality and character. The winemaking philosophy is rooted in minimal intervention, allowing each season and parcel to speak clearly in the glass.
Father Gary's experience as a hands-on winemaker was shaped by time spent at Domain Dujac in Burgundy, Cristom in Oregon and Calera in California. And like his father, son Nick has experience at international vineyards, including Cristom in Oregon, Au Bon Climate in California, and Domain Dujac in Burgundy. Training with the famed Dominque Lafon has served as the inspiration for by Farr's wines.
About this Wine:
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.
Tasting Notes:
Each vintage of Farrside pinot noir exhibits more masculinity, structure and savoury components, while deep meaty, spicy and mineral flavors also continue to evolve. A balanced array of red and black fruits, Farrside pinot noir is fresh and edgy with bucketloads of character. This is a firm yet delicate wine with a long-textured finish.
Ratings & Reviews
96 Points - The Wine Front (an Australian-only wine review magazine)