By Farr Shiraz 2021
By Farr is a renowned brand that was established in 1994 by Robyn and Gary Farr on a north-facing slope in the township of Bannockburn, located in the Moorabool Valley between Geelong and Ballarat, 100km southwest of Melbourne. The original wines included Chardonnay by Farr, Viognier by Farr, Shiraz by Farr and Pinot Noir by Farr, which is now known as Sangreal by Farr. Over time, with the help of Cassie and Nick, the vineyards have expanded to adjoining neighboring properties, resulting in greater expression of the single-site wines that we have today. The wines of By Farr are renowned for their complexity, layered structure and undeniable length, making them highly regarded by both consumers for their drinkability and age worthiness and critics around the world for their individuality. 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 and consisted of dense boxthorn and noxious weeds. The final piece of the puzzle, which links the two blocks of land, was purchased by Nick and Cassie Farr in 2011, making a total of 130 acres. Nick and Gary Farr stand side by side, but aren't afraid to go head-to-head when their opinions differ. Each generation has developed a distinctive winemaking style based on their individual experience and taste, resulting in their respective lines - By Farr by Gary and Farr Rising by Nick - receiving critical acclaim both in Australia and overseas. The By Farr is a brand that represents the best of the Moorabool Valley, showcasing the unique characteristics of the vineyard's soil and climate. The Farr family's commitment to quality and innovation has resulted in wines that are highly sought after by wine lovers and critics alike, making them a true gem of the Australian wine industry.
The fruit for the By Farr Shiraz comes from an original site planted in 1994, it lies on a north-facing slope, and the red volcanic soil has a base of limestone with deep-set sandstone. All fruit is hand-picked from the VSP trellising, with 20% left as whole bunches in the fermentation. Most years, between 2 and 4% Viognier is co-fermented with the Shiraz, with the date determining whether or not the former is co-fermented and bled back. It is a natural fermentation, with the fruit remaining in the tank for 19 days before pressing. Shiraz sees 18 months in French oak, with 20% being new, before being bottled under vacuum. On the nose, this wine offers a powerful aroma, with the depth and complexity of cool-climate Shiraz. It is spiced with pepper and mineral elements, leaning towards an earthy character. The co-fermented Viognier adds a little richness to both the bouquet and palate, which has a very pleasant sweetness to start, followed by intense fruit and earthy long tannins that complete the delicate structure and overall elegance of the wine. The By Farr Shiraz 2021 is a wine that showcases the best of the vineyard's unique characteristics. It is a powerful and complex wine that will appeal to those who appreciate a refined and nuanced Shiraz with a delicate structure and overall elegance. The co-fermented Viognier adds a unique richness to the wine, making it a perfect balance of fruit and earthy flavors.
Persistence and Patience. An amazingly challenging, yet rewarding vintage, has been produced from the 2021 vintage. Rainfall and humidity certainly challenged us throughout the growing season, but persistent humidity was met with a persistent, passionate and determined approach to really create some special wines from conditions rarely seen in Bannockburn. The team did an amazing job to keep the vineyard's canopies open and clean of disease. The moist and mild conditions from November through to early February finished with some great finishing temperatures and sunlight to sustain the great natural acidity and flavour that had built over the final month before picking started on the 9th of March. Very quickly during fermentation a great finesse and length was apparent in the wines. In barrel the freshness of acidity, fine tannins and best of all savoury and elegant fruit flavours certainly suggested that we have a strong vintage to show, come release. - Vintage Notes By Nick Farr
The ‘21 Shiraz is a bit of a shape shifter. Initial notes suggest a deep, velvet wine, full of black fruit and spice. As the wine opens up there is a brightness to it, a summer pudding type fruit expression of berries and cream. More spice comes through, black olive tapenade, it’s rich yet savoury. There is a note of whole bunch, that green zone crunch, tang and lift and it finishes with such a pure crack of pepper; pink, campot and some white pepper too. Endlessly intriguing and mouthwatering. Whilst Pinot Noir takes the limelight at By Farr, you would do yourself a great disservice to not think this is one of the very best Shiraz being made in Australia, and as such, terrifically undervalued. - Tasting Notes by Nick Farr
"Light, bright yellow hue leads into a fresh and bright aroma of spice and honey nuances allied with subtle traces of nuttiness, stone-fruits and tropical flowers. The palate is intense and focused, richness without broadness, soft textured but not blousy. Extra-long and vibrant aftertaste, refreshingly dry and appetising. A benchmark Viognier." 96 points. Huon Hooke, The Real Review June 2022
The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Shiraz 96%, Viognier 4%
Country - Australia
Region - Geelong, Victoria
Vintage - 2021
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13.5%