By Farr RP Geelong Pinot Noir 2021

By Farr RP Geelong Pinot Noir 2021

 

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By Farr
RP Geelong Pinot Noir 2021
  • Vintage : 2021
  • Country : Australia
  • Region : Victoria
  • Subregion : Geelong
  • Type : Red
  • Style : Deep Full Bodied
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 13°
  • Grappes : 100% Pinot Noir

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.

Experts Score Vintage
DCT Decanter 96 2020
JS James Suckling 94 2016
More information on wine critics and ratings

Region and Vineyards

The fruit for the RP Pinot Noir is sourced from the Cote Vineyard, the same site as the GC Chardonnay. This vineyard, with its close-planted, high-density planting of Pinot Noir on an exposed côte, will be the backbone of the Farr dynasty for decades to come. The vineyard includes north, northeast, and east-facing slopes, each with unique soil compositions that contribute to the wine’s complexity:

  • The North côte features red to brown loam with buckshot stones on the surface and is the most exposed of the three côtes. It retains moisture longer due to its high clay content and is harvested last.
  • The Northeast côte continues with buckshot stones until the soil becomes black and lined with limestone, transitioning to sandstone at the vineyard’s highest point.
  • The East côte is divided by a central rise and consists of black volcanic soil with fragmented limestone in one direction and grey loam with buckshot stones in the other. This côte has the least amount of clay, resulting in early harvest despite being the coolest slope.

Winemaking

The winemaking process for By Farr RP Geelong Pinot Noir involves meticulous care and traditional techniques. The fruit is hand-picked and sorted in the vineyard to ensure only the highest quality grapes are used. The grapes are then fermented in an open-top fermenter, with 40 to 50 percent destemmed and cold-soaked for four days to extract color and flavor.

Natural yeast is used for the fermentation, which lasts approximately 19 days. Pigeage (grape stomping) is conducted two to three times a day to achieve the desired level of extraction. After fermentation, the wine is placed in 50 to 60 percent new Allier barrels by gravity. The wine undergoes malolactic fermentation and is racked by gas, first after the secondary fermentation and then again at 18 months before bottling.

Did you know?

By Farr is a family-owned winery, and the RP Pinot Noir is named in honor of Robyn Pamela Farr, who has been integral to the vineyard’s success. Her hands-on approach and dedication have shaped the vineyard and its wines, making this Pinot Noir a fitting tribute to her legacy.

Tasting Notes

  • Color: Deep ruby red with brilliant clarity.
  • Aroma: Highly perfumed with an abundance of fruit aromas, complemented by fine and detailed tannins.
  • Palate: Smooth and calm, the wine stretches the length of the palate with abundant fruit leading to a refined tannin structure. It showcases the finesse and elegance that are hallmarks of the Cote Vineyard.

Wine Pairing Ideas

  • Peking Duck with Hoisin Sauce: The rich, savory flavors of Peking duck are enhanced by the fruity and perfumed notes of the Pinot Noir, while the hoisin sauce adds a sweet and tangy element that complements the wine's structure.
  • Porcini Mushroom Pasta: The earthy and umami flavors of porcini mushrooms pair beautifully with the complex aromas and smooth texture of the Pinot Noir.
  • Grilled Salmon with Dill and Lemon: The fresh, herbaceous flavors of dill and the brightness of lemon complement the wine's refined tannins and fruity profile.
  • Roasted Beet Salad with Feta and Walnuts: The sweetness of roasted beets, the tanginess of feta, and the crunch of walnuts bring out the nuanced flavors and perfumed aromas of the Pinot Noir.

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.

Decanter (DCT) : 96 Points (2020)
Taken from the famous Côte Vineyard, ‘Robyn Pamela’ is treated to about half the crop being destemmed, and half the wine is matured in new Allier oak barrels. This is my favourite RP vintage to date, and only a couple of Aussie Pinots manage to engender the richness, intensity, gravitas and flair that this wine seemingly summons with ease. Texturally, it is richer and more succulent than any other Aussie Pinot, too.

James Suckling (JS) : 94 Points (2016)
A juicy and tannic red showing lots of berries and cedar with light, toffee and leather character. Full body, chewy tannins and a flavorful finish. Needs time to soften. Structured pinot. Better after 2022.

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 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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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 €
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