Product Information:
Shiraz with Pinot like elegance. The fruit comes from the original By Farr vineyard, planted in 1994. It lies on a north-facing slope, and the red volcanic soil has a base of limestone with deep-set sandstone.
Although there are some wineries that can do it, it’s incredibly uncommon to have a Shiraz this racy, this fresh. Growing grapes this ripe but not overdone is an art in and of itself - the spice and savoury complexity without being green. Every sip reveals something a little better than the last. The nose takes about two seconds to hit you, dense plum and black cherry, black olive, white pepper and something chocolatey. Captivating.
All fruit is hand-picked from the VSP trellising, with 20% left as whole bunches in the fermentation. Most years we co-ferment between 2 and 4 per cent viognier with the shiraz, 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, 20% being new, and is bottled under vacuum.
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, Roasted Spice, Violet
The nose takes about two seconds to hit you, dense plum and black cherry, black olive, white pepper and something chocolatey.
Palate - Cherry-plum, Savoury, Intense Fruit
Aromas carry over to the palate, with a creaminess and lovely baked goods element too.
Finish - Drying, Brown Spices, Delicate Structure
Earthy long tannins to complete the delicate structure and overall elegance of the wine.
The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Shiraz 96%, Viognier 4%
Country - Australia
Region - Geelong, Victoria
Vintage - 2022
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13.5%
