One of Australia's salient, small batch winemakers, Gary Farr has always aspired to formulate the ultimate Pinot wine. He may be very close. Gary Farr's style is traditional and essentially Burgundian, employing natural yeasts and whole bunch ferments, he insists on cork. A wine of exceptional balance and finesse, seamless from fragrance to finish, Farr was inspired after reading the Da Vinci Code, to annoint this superlative cuvee Sangreal. As the estate vineyards continue to mature, the holy grail of Gary Farr Pinot Noir comes within closer reach.
The By Farr vineyards are planted to a mixture of Pinot Noir rootstock and clones. The aspect of the vineyard is north to northeast and quite undulating. The soil is volcanic loam over limestone, in some sites the limestone dominates the loam, well drained and of low fertility. They compare well with the best sites for Pinot Noir anywhere in the world. Farr applies techniques he learned in France, whole bunches with stalks fermented in large, open, cylindrical vats. The traditional process requires him to immerse his body into the wine and to break up the hot spots which occurr in this uneven and ancient form of vinculture. This method called pigeage is practised in the production of the great burgundies.
Deep scarlet colour. Great perfume on the nose, fine well integrated fruit of highly complex red berries and subtle toasted oak. Perfumed but savoury, the essence of Pinot Noir from a precious site. Rich flavoursome palate, showing weight, true length and depth. Seamless in its delivery and a joy to drink, velvety, generous, seamless in its delivery, currants and plum fruit balancing the animal character. Flavoursome and compelling, yet acquiescent and accomodating, the aficianado's style of Pinot, gamey and moreish.
