Product Description
The By Farr GC Cote Vineyard Chardonnay 2023 is a powerful tribute to the decades of experience and knowledge passed down through generations of the Farr family. The wine is crafted from meticulously selected fruit from the GC (Gary Charles) Chardonnay vineyard, a close-planted, high-density planting on an exposed côte. These vineyards, positioned on the north, northeast, and east-facing hillsides, are the backbone of the Farr dynasty and will continue to shape their legacy for decades to come.
The 2023 vintage benefits from the family’s meticulous attention to detail, with each plot carefully selected for its suitability to produce the finest Chardonnay. The North Côte, with its red to brown loam and buckshot stones, provides a longer ripening period, while the East Côte, with its diverse soil types and exposed positioning, contributes fresh acidity and minerality to the wine. The result is a wine of amazing smoothness and balance, with textured fruit, mineral depth, and an exceptional length that stretches across the palate.
The By Farr team has been working with the fruit from these vineyards for over eight years, perfecting the style and achieving a remarkable expression of this unique terroir. This wine is a fitting tribute to the pioneering work of ‘Gazza’ (Gary Farr) and his 40 years of contributions to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in Australia.
Maker
By Farr is a preeminent winery located in the Geelong region’s Moorabool Valley, specifically in the township of Bannockburn. The Farr family’s winemaking journey began in 1994 when Gary and Robyn Farr established the By Farr brand, starting with wines like Chardonnay by Farr, Viognier by Farr, Shiraz by Farr, and Pinot Noir by Farr, now known as Sangreal by Farr. Their commitment to exceptional quality has resulted in the expansion of vineyards into neighbouring properties, further enhancing the expression of their single-site wines.
Today, the By Farr estate is managed by Gary’s son, Nick Farr, whose winemaking skills have been internationally recognised, including being awarded Gourmet Traveller Wine magazine’s Winemaker of the Year in 2020. The Farr family is proud of the legacy they’ve built, where Gary’s winemaking style complements Nick’s, resulting in wines that are known for their complexity, layered structure, and exceptional length. With each bottle of By Farr wine, the focus remains on the land and the grapes, ensuring that each vintage is a true reflection of their dedication to quality and craftsmanship.
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
Citrus, Peach, Elderflower
The nose opens with vibrant citrus notes, complemented by the delicate aromas of peach and elderflower blossom. The fresh fruitiness is beautifully balanced with subtle hints of crushed stones, reflecting the mineral-rich soils of the vineyard.
PALATE
Rich, Elegant, Structured
On the palate, the wine presents a seamless balance of ripe stone fruits like nectarine and peach, with a fine, integrated acidity that lends focus and energy. The wine’s complexity builds through layers of fruit, with a mineral core that defines its structure. The acidity tightens the core, giving length and persistence.
FINISH
Long, Mineral, Elegant
The finish is long and refined, with lingering citrus zest and fresh stone fruit notes. The wine’s mineral undertones and crisp acidity provide a clean and focused end, a hallmark of its exceptional balance and elegance.
The Finer Details
Style - White Wine
Varietal - Chardonnay
Country - Australia
Region - Geelong, Victoria
Vintage - 2023
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13%
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