By Farr Geelong Chardonnay 2022

By Farr Geelong Chardonnay 2022

 

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By Farr
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 Geelong Chardonnay is a sophisticated and nuanced wine, showcasing the elegance and complexity of cool-climate Chardonnay from the Geelong region.

Experts Score Vintage
RP Robert Parker 93 2019
JS James Suckling 94 2017
JH James Halliday 96 2013
More information on wine critics and ratings

Region and Vineyards

Geelong, located in Victoria, Australia, is renowned for its cool maritime climate, which is ideal for producing high-quality wines. The region benefits from the moderating influence of nearby Port Phillip Bay and Bass Strait, providing a consistent climate conducive to growing premium wine grapes.

The By Farr Chardonnay comes from the same site as the Sangreal Pinot Noir, composed of red soil over limestone and planted in 1994. The limestone starts 20 to 30cm below the surface, extending to the depths of the root zone of the vines. This north-facing slope is very exposed, which contributes to the wine's distinct mineral character. The vineyard uses a mixture of Dijon clones and Penfolds 58 clones, enhancing the complexity and diversity of the Chardonnay produced.

Winemaking

The winemaking process for By Farr Geelong Chardonnay 2022 is meticulous and aims to enhance the wine's natural elegance and complexity. The fruit is hand-picked to ensure that only the highest quality grapes are selected. The grapes are then whole-bunch pressed, extracting pure juice with minimal phenolic content. All the solids are collected and chilled before being transferred to barrels, 30% of which are new French oak, to begin natural fermentation at cool temperatures over one to two months.

A small amount of stirring helps start malolactic fermentation, which softens the wine’s acidity and adds a creamy texture. After fermentation, the wine is racked, fined, and lightly filtered before being bottled 11 months after picking. This process ensures the clarity and stability of the wine, while preserving its refined character and mineral finish.

Did you know?

By Farr is a prestigious family-owned winery founded by Gary Farr, whose extensive winemaking experience in Burgundy, France, has greatly influenced the practices at By Farr. His approach emphasizes terroir and traditional methods, resulting in wines that are both elegant and expressive.

Tasting Notes

  • Color: Pale straw with a brilliant hue.
  • Aroma: Aromas of citrus, white peach, and subtle oak notes with hints of flint and minerality.
  • Palate: The trademark characteristics of the wine are understated power and length with a mineral finish. It has a great fruit expression well integrated with French oak. The palate is fine but firm, with great acidity, texture, and length. This wine is rich in flavor, yet very refined.

Wine Pairing Ideas

  • Grilled Lobster with Lemon Butter: The richness of the lobster complements the creamy texture of the Chardonnay, while the wine’s acidity cuts through the buttery sauce.
  • Roasted Chicken with Herbs and Garlic: The herbal notes and savory flavors of the chicken pair beautifully with the citrus and oak nuances of the wine.
  • Mushroom Risotto: The earthy flavors of the mushrooms enhance the mineral complexity of the Chardonnay, and the creamy risotto matches the wine’s texture.
  • Goat Cheese Salad with Honey and Walnuts: The tangy goat cheese and sweet honey bring out the fruit flavors in the wine, while the walnuts add a complementary nutty element.

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.

Robert Parker (RP) : 93 Points (2019)
Classic notes of lightly toasted nuts and grilled fruit appear on the nose of the 2019 Chardonnay. It's round, ripe and expansive in the mouth, a medium to full-bodied cavalcade of ripe pear, melon and citrus, all framed by hints of classy French oak. With a rich, velvety feel and ample length on the finish, this is a truly fine example of Australian Chardonnay.

James Suckling (JS) : 94 Points (2017)
There’s some real complexity here from the get-go with overtures of apricot essence, peach pie, mangoes, papaya, ripe apple crumble, vanilla and spices. Full body with no shortage of fleshy tropical fruit. This is pretty strong on its balancing act of fine acidity with the textured layers and spices. Finishes long. Drink now or hold.

James Halliday (JH) : 96 Points (2013)
From the same site as the Sangreal Pinot Noir; Dijon clones and P58, hand-picked, whole bunch-pressed juice and solids to French oak (30% new) for wild fermentation, stirred to start mlf, 11 months from picking to bottling. Why in god's name throw the wine to the cork wolves? It's a beautiful, power-packed, tangy, yet fine, chardonnay that will be dead in the water in 10 years time. I'll put my house on the outcome.

By Farr Farrside Geelong Pinot Noir 2021
By Farr Farrside Geelong Pinot Noir 2021
By Farr
Farrside Geelong Pinot Noir 2021
RP
94
JS
93
JH
98
The By Farr Farrside Geelong Pinot Noir is a robust and sophisticated wine, showcasing the nuanced complexity and structured elegance that is characteristic of the Farrside vineyard.
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
RP
94
JS
95
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 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 €
Quantity : moins plus
By Farr Geelong Viognier 2021
By Farr Geelong Viognier 2021
By Farr
Geelong Viognier 2021
JS
94
The By Farr Geelong Viognier is a refined and delicate expression of Viognier, offering a blend of fresh peach and apricot flavors with a subtle ginger-flavored freshness.
56,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
By Farr GC Geelong Chardonnay 2022
By Farr GC Geelong Chardonnay 2022
By Farr
GC Geelong Chardonnay 2022
JS
95
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.
86,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Wine regions guide
62,90 €
Quantity : Moins     Plus
 
 
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