Product Information:
Words that come to mind when Sangreal allocations arrive - Seductive, perfumed, seamless balance and moreish.
The Sangreal vineyard was planted in 1994, making it our oldest vineyard. It lies on a north-facing slope and the soil composition is bluestone and overlaying limestone, with red ironstone colouring the surface. This is unlike their other vineyards, which are mostly black volcanic soil with heavy amounts of limestone on the surface. The vine rows run north-south, receiving full sun exposure throughout the day, resulting in more perfumed, prettier wines. This is always the first vineyard to be harvested. The clones used in Sangreal are 114 and 115, which are believed have mutated over time to become the ‘Sangreal clone’, now within its own microclimate.
Sangreal is consistently made with 70% whole bunch and aged in 70% It is fermented in a five-tonne oak barrel with an open-top fermenter, and cold soaked for four days before a natural fermentation of seven to nine days. Once the cap falls, the tank is pressed. The wine is racked only once after malolactic fermentation, then sulphured and bottled, the entire process taking a total of 18 months. The wine is unfined and unfiltered in order to retain its natural flavour and bouquet. Sangreal is the most seamless and perfumed of the three single-vineyard pinots.
Maker:
The Real Review award 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.
Vineyard:
The 2022 vintage started with a third consecutive wet Winter to Spring. Despite hopes for abundant fruit due to slightly warmer soils before bud burst, and despite storms and humidity until late January, our team managed to maintain healthy canopies and fruit. February brought a turn in the season, with berries gaining colour and flavour depth by March. They began picking Pinot and Chardonnay in mid to late March, benefiting from a long, mild season that showcased site expressions. Credit goes to the team once again as the ferments were very expressive and show the potential you come to expect of a dry season with cool evenings. The whites have tension while lush in fruit characteristics. While the reds are building in complexity with every month they are left in barrel.
Nose - Undergrowth, Twiggy Herbs, Smoky Sweet Oak
A confident yet restrained perfume as expected from this site, and it works in tandem with more forward stemmy notes.
Palate - Balsamic Herbs, Red/Black Cherries, Lively Acid
Lovely acidity, not overbearing, incredibly fine tannins make this perhaps too easy to drink. Ethereal sweet fruit in the mid-palate.
Finish - Five Spice, Iodine, Clove
Drying powdering fine tannins that cleanse the finish.
The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Pinot Noir
Country - Australia
Region - Geelong, Victoria
Vintage - 2022
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13.5%
