Product Description:
Precision from limestone — a Chardonnay of tension, texture and quiet authority.
By Farr Chardonnay 2024 comes from a singular site: a north-facing slope of red soil over limestone in Bannockburn, planted in 1994 with a mix of Dijon and Penfolds 58 clones. Like everything from this revered Moorabool Valley producer, it’s made with a firm commitment to vineyard expression and classical technique.
Pressed whole-bunch and fermented wild in barrel (30% new), this wine captures the purity of the site—linear, mineral, quietly powerful. The winemaking, minimal and Burgundian in influence, builds depth and length without ostentation. The result is a Chardonnay that speaks in low tones but says a great deal—subtle stone fruits, flinty drive, and a textural interplay that rewards time in glass or cellar.
Ideal with butter-poached shellfish, roast poultry, or aged Comté. Drink now or hold for five to seven years.
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
– Subtle and complex
White peach, flint, crushed almond, and a faint savoury edge.
PALATE
– Mineral and layered
Lime blossom and citrus pith over creamy lees texture, with refined oak in the background.
FINISH
– Long and chalky
Fresh acidity, saline lift and length, with persistent stone fruit and a mineral thread.
Finer Details:
Style - White Wine
Varietal - Chardonnay
Country - Australia
Region - Geelong, Victoria
Vintage - 2024
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13.5%
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