By Farr Tout Pres Pinot Noir 2013

Established by former Bannockburn winemaker Gary Farr in 1994, the By Farr vineyards, located 100 km south west of Melbourne comprise 4.8ha of close planted vines on North East and East facing slopes of the Moorabool Valley. This sub-region of Geelong has its own unique micro-climate characterised by prevailing winds that profoundly influence the vine’s vigour. All fruit is estate grown and the multi-clonal vineyards are planted on ancient river deposits on a variety of soil types. Father Gary & son Nick Farr carry out the winemaking with low input viticulture and Burgundian winemaking technique central to the overall wines.

Tout Près is By Farr’s flagship wine, made in an intense, brooding Burgundian style. The name Tout Près (‘very cosy’) takes its name from the very densely planted vineyard at 8000 vines per ha. The tiny site of only 2.5 acres has a unique amphitheatre like cirque that rises above the other vineyards. This structure together with a complex mix of soils, and intense competition between the vines, produces concentrated lush fruit with structure for long-ageing.

“From a 1ha vineyard in an amphitheatre with three different soil types, 6 clones mutated into a single Tout Pres clone planted at 7300 vines per ha, normally 100% whole bunches in a single 5-tonne open fermenter. An extra year may be part of the reason, the vintage another part, why this is radically different to the other Pinots in the portfolio? The Farrs themselves would say it’s the vineyard’s unique terroir, including the ultra-close planting. Its the most savoury of the Pinots, but not so savoury that it diminishes the dark cherry/berry fruit and sweet spices at the heart of the wine.” 97 points James Halliday 2017 Australian Wine Companion

“This is another pinot masterpiece from the experienced hands of Gary Farr. Super concentrated and commanding, it has the classic iron fist in a velvet glove style of powerful elegance. The nose is composed and fragrant with rich dark cherry fruits, bergamot, fresh foresty aromas and cola; oak is beautifully integrated. The palate has impeccable balance from start to finish. Dense and yet silky, tannins build evenly and the wine flows effortlessly, delivering dark spiced cherry flavor with essence-like concentration. This has all the class of Grand Cru Burgundy. Drink now and for up to 10+ years.” 97 Points, Nick Stock