By Farr GC Geelong Chardonnay 2022

By Farr GC Geelong Chardonnay 2022

 

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By Farr
GC Geelong Chardonnay 2022
  • Vintage : 2022
  • Country : Australia
  • Region : Victoria
  • Subregion : Geelong
  • Type : White
  • Style : Creamy Full Bodied White
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 13,5°
  • Grappes : 100% Chardonnay

The By Farr GC Geelong Chardonnay, named after Gary Charles Farr, is a testament to the extensive knowledge and experience Gary Farr has brought to the vineyard. This wine represents the pinnacle of Chardonnay production at By Farr, with its exceptional quality and refined character.

Experts Score Vintage
JS James Suckling 95 2017
More information on wine critics and ratings

Region and Vineyards

Geelong, situated in Victoria, Australia, benefits from a cool maritime climate, ideal for producing high-quality Chardonnay. The GC Chardonnay is crafted from vines planted on the exposed côtes facing north, northeast, and east. These hillsides form the backbone of the Farr dynasty and are meticulously managed to ensure optimal vine health and fruit quality.

The North côte features red to brown loam with buckshot stones on the surface. This is the most exposed slope, retaining moisture for a longer time due to its high clay content, and is harvested last. The East côte, divided by a central rise, consists of black volcanic soil with fragmented limestone on one side and grey loam with buckshot stones on the other. With the least amount of clay, this côte has minimal water-holding capacity, resulting in earlier harvest despite being the coolest slope.

Winemaking

The winemaking process for the By Farr GC Chardonnay is designed to highlight the unique terroir and meticulous vineyard practices. The fruit is hand-picked to ensure only the finest grapes are selected. The grapes are then whole-bunch pressed, extracting pure juice with minimal phenolic content. All solids are collected and chilled before being transferred to barrels, with 50% being new French oak.

A natural fermentation occurs at cool temperatures over one to two months, followed by gentle stirring to initiate malolactic fermentation. This secondary fermentation softens the acidity and adds a creamy texture to the wine. After fermentation, the wine is racked, fined, and lightly filtered before bottling 11 months after harvest. This careful process ensures the wine's clarity and stability while preserving its refined character.

Did you know?

By Farr is a family-owned winery, and the GC Chardonnay is named in honor of Gary Charles Farr. Gary’s extensive winemaking experience, particularly in Burgundy, France, has significantly influenced the vineyard management and winemaking practices at By Farr, resulting in wines that are both elegant and expressive.

Tasting Notes

  • Color: Pale straw with a bright clarity.
  • Aroma: Subtle and complex aromas of citrus, white peach, and integrated oak notes, with hints of flint and minerality.
  • Palate: The wine exhibits an amazing smoothness and calmness that extends the length of the palate. It is surrounded by textured fruit and mineral elements, showcasing a refined balance of acidity, texture, and length.

Wine Pairing Ideas

  • Salmon en Croûte: The rich, flaky pastry of the salmon en croûte pairs beautifully with the creamy texture of the Chardonnay, while the wine’s acidity enhances the fish's delicate flavors.
  • Seafood Pasta: The delicate flavors of seafood and creamy pasta find an excellent partner in the Chardonnay, whose acidity and oak notes complement the dish.
  • Leek and Goat Cheese Tart: The sweetness of the leeks and the richness of the goat cheese are magnified by the citrus aromas and minerality of the wine.
  • Sole Meunière: The light and delicate flavor of sole meunière is perfectly balanced by the lively acidity and mineral notes of the Chardonnay.

History of By Farr Estate

The By Farr estate is situated in the Moorabool Valley between Geelong and Ballarat, approximately 100 km southwest of Melbourne. This region has a rich viticultural history dating back over 200 years, with Swiss settlers planting Victoria’s first vineyards in the early 1800s. The estate’s volcanic soil and continental climate produce premium fruit with distinctive flavor, bouquet, and color unique to the area.

Gary and Robyn Farr purchased the original property in 1994, expanding it in 1998 by acquiring an adjacent section that had been untouched for nearly 40 years. In 2011, Nick and Cassie Farr acquired the final piece of land linking the two blocks, resulting in a total of 130 acres, of which 36 acres are under vine. The remainder is used for grazing and cropping for cattle and horses. The estate cultivates a variety of grapes including Viognier, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Gamay, and Shiraz.

Gary Farr, known for his meticulous winemaking approach, has been a prominent figure in the Moorabool Valley since 1978. His techniques and dedication have inspired a generation of winemakers.

His son, Nick Farr, continues the family legacy with his own distinctive style, combining his experiences from international vineyards with his father’s teachings.

Region and Vineyards

The Moorabool Valley’s microclimate is influenced by winds from the western plains and sea breezes, which regulate temperature and cool the air overnight. This climate is essential for producing naturally balanced, low-yield fruit rich in flavor. The region's cool and harsh environment, characterized by low rainfall and prevailing winds, contributes to the complexity of the wines.

The vineyards are based on ancient river deposits with complex, mineral-rich soils. There are six different soil types across the Farr property, including rich, friable red and black volcanic loam, limestone, quartz gravel through red volcanic soil, ironstone (buckshot) in grey sandy loam, sandstone base, and volcanic lava rock. These soils provide good drainage and low fertility, ensuring small yields of intensely flavored fruit.

Wine Range: By Farr by Gary Farr

Gary Farr's line, By Farr, is a collection of meticulously crafted wines that highlight his extensive experience and dedication to traditional winemaking techniques. These wines are known for their elegance, complexity, and age-worthy potential, each reflecting the unique terroir of the Moorabool Valley.

  • Sangreal Pinot Noir is the flagship wine of By Farr, showcasing the oldest vineyard planted in 1994. The north-facing slope with bluestone and limestone soils produces a wine that is consistently seductive, perfumed, and seamlessly balanced. It is known for its seductive bouquet, seamless balance, and long, elegant finish.
  • Farrside Pinot Noir comes from a vineyard with darker soils and cooler growing conditions, resulting in a more masculine and edgy wine. This wine is known for its structure, savory components, and a balanced array of red and black fruits. It exhibits deep meaty, spicy, and mineral flavors with firm yet delicate tannins and a long-textured finish.
  • Tout Pres Pinot Noir is from a densely planted vineyard with three different soil types, adding to its complexity. This wine has the largest flavor profile and intensity among By Farr's Pinots, absorbing 100% new French oak. It is known for its primary and secondary flavors of plums and undergrowth, with an edgy acidity and a tightly packed structure.
  • GC Chardonnay (Gary Charles) is a tribute to Gary's extensive knowledge and expertise. The vineyard features a mixture of suitable clones and rootstocks planted on exposed côtes with varied soil types. The wine undergoes natural fermentation in French oak barrels and malolactic fermentation, resulting in a creamy texture, vibrant acidity, and a long, mineral-driven finish.
  • By Farr Viognier is crafted from meticulously tended vines, ensuring only the best fruit is harvested. The winemaking process involves whole bunch pressing and fermentation in French oak barrels, enhancing the wine's complexity and subtle oak nuances. It is known for its intense and complex aromas of apricot, peach, and honeysuckle, with a rich and full-bodied palate.
  • By Farr Shiraz combines traditional techniques with innovative practices, such as co-fermenting with Viognier. The wine is known for its powerful nose, depth, and complexity, with spiced pepper, mineral elements, and earthy undertones. It has a pleasant sweetness to start, followed by intense fruit and earthy tannins, leading to a delicate structure and overall elegance.

Did you know?

Gary Farr is celebrated for producing what legendary wine connoisseur Len Evans called “Australia’s best Pinot”. Gary’s experience spans prestigious vineyards in Burgundy, Oregon, and California. His commitment to traditional techniques and the expression of terroir has set a benchmark in Australian winemaking.

James Suckling (JS) : 95 Points (2017)
Much more subtle and complex than the regular chardonnay on the nose, which shows white peppers, dried nutmeg, cloves, dried citrus, white nectarines, cantaloupe melon and loquat. Full-bodied with a lovely interplay of assorted spices on the palate. There are citrus flavors running through the layers of tangy acidity and right up to the long, very mineral-driven finish. Wow. Irresistible now but better in 2025.

By Farr Farrside Geelong Pinot Noir 2021
By Farr Farrside Geelong Pinot Noir 2021
By Farr
Farrside Geelong Pinot Noir 2021
DCT
92
RP
94
JS
93
By Farr Farrside Geelong Pinot Noir 2021 is an exquisite expression of Pinot Noir, crafted in the heart of Geelong, Victoria. Known for its firm structure and savory complexity, this wine reflects the meticulous craftsmanship of Nick Farr and his father, Gary Farr.
64,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
By Farr Sangreal Geelong Pinot Noir 2021
By Farr Sangreal Geelong Pinot Noir 2021
By Farr
Sangreal Geelong Pinot Noir 2021
JS
95
RP
94
WS
97
The By Farr Sangreal Geelong Pinot Noir is an exquisite wine from the oldest vineyard at By Farr. Planted in 1994, the Sangreal vineyard consistently produces wines that are seductive, perfumed, and seamlessly balanced.
75,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
By Farr Tout Pres Geelong Pinot Noir 2021
By Farr Tout Pres Geelong Pinot Noir 2021
By Farr
Tout Pres Geelong Pinot Noir 2021
JS
94
The By Farr Tout Pres Geelong Pinot Noir is a compelling wine from a unique and challenging vineyard. Planted in 2001, the Tout Pres vineyard is renowned for its intriguing terroir and dense planting, resulting in a wine of great structure and complexity.
105,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
By Farr Geelong Chardonnay 2022
By Farr Geelong Chardonnay 2022
By Farr
Geelong Chardonnay 2022
RP
93
JS
94
JH
96
The By Farr Geelong Chardonnay is a sophisticated and nuanced wine, showcasing the elegance and complexity of cool-climate Chardonnay from the Geelong region.
62,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
By Farr RP Geelong Pinot Noir 2021
By Farr RP Geelong Pinot Noir 2021
By Farr
RP Geelong Pinot Noir 2021
DCT
96
JS
94
The By Farr RP Geelong Pinot Noir is a tribute to Robyn Pamela Farr, the matriarch of the Farr family. This wine reflects her dedication and contribution to the vineyard over the decades.
86,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
By Farr Geelong Shiraz 2021
By Farr Geelong Shiraz 2021
By Farr
Geelong Shiraz 2021
BC
98
RP
92
The By Farr Geelong Shiraz is a powerful and elegant expression of Shiraz, enhanced by the unique terroir of Geelong and meticulous winemaking practices.
62,90 €
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By Farr Geelong Viognier 2022
By Farr Geelong Viognier 2022
By Farr
Geelong Viognier 2022
JS
94
By Farr Geelong Viognier is a nuanced and elegant white wine crafted in Geelong, Victoria. With its fresh peach and apricot aromas, complemented by a refined texture, it reflects the exceptional skill and vision of the Farr family.
56,90 €
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Wine regions guide
86,90 €
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