For many years, Gary Farr followed up every vintage at Bannockburn with a tour of duty at Burgundy's Domaine Dujac. He believed Australian technology to be superior but was greatly inspired by the traditional practices of French vignerons. Farr brought home the ancient technique of pigeage, throwing whole bunches into large, open vats and immersing his body into the wine to break up any hot spots. A weighty Pinot wine, Farrside combines density and precision with a capacity to endure and evolve.
Gary Farr planted Pinot Noir clones 114 and 115, 113 and 667, 777 and MV6 in 2001. The Farside Vineyard's black volcanic soils yield a cogent, masculine Pinot wine.Vines on the northeast facing slopes of Farrside are grown to a thin layer of rich volcanic soils over limestone, planted east to west so that grapes receive some cover from the sun. Farrside makes wines of greater structure, tannin and savouriness. Farr chose his ground carefully, to compare favourably alongside some of the finest Pinot Noir growing terroirs in the world. A patient man, Farr aspired to owning the seven hectare property for a very long time but it's owner resisted all temptation to part with the land for over twenty years.
Deep crimson red colour. A rich, full nose exhibiting floral Pinot characters and powerful berry fruits which build and develop as the wine breathes. The palate offers sweetness of fruit with overtones of minerality enhanced by toasty oak. Fine tannins and great structure are a trademark of Farr, fine texture and savouriness complete the gem.
