By Farr Chardonnay 2023
The Wine
The By Farr chardonnay comes from the same site as the Sangreal pinot noir—composed of red soil over limestone—and was planted in 1994. The limestone of this site is not exposed on the surface as at other sites. The limestone starts 20 to 30cm below the surface, to the depths of the root zone of the vines. It is a very exposed north-facing slope. The clones used for the chardonnay are a mixture of Dijon clones and Penfolds 58.
Exhibits understated power and length, complemented by an exquisite mineral finish. It boasts excellent fruit expression, seamlessly integrated with high grade French oak. The unique soil characteristics are evident in the wine's style. The palate is fine yet firm, with excellent acidity, texture, and length. This wine is rich in flavor, yet very refined. Another triumph!
On the 2022 : 97 points Huon Hooke (The Real Review) - "Medium-light, bright yellow hue; cashew, lemon and talc to sniff, a suggestion of citrus blossoms—fresh and clean and youthful. The bright and joyous vigour runs throughout the wine. A note of toasted hazelnut starting up. The finish is refreshingly dry, clean and appetising. There's an appealing balance between concentration and delicacy, and it promises to develop in a rewarding way with time. An outstanding young chardonnay with lots more to offer."
The Details
Variety - Chardonnay
Country - Australia
Region - Victoria
Sub Region - Geelong, Moorabool
Extra - Cork
Year - 2023
Volume - 750ml
About the Wine Maker 
The Farr estate is located in the Moorabool Valley between Geelong and Ballarat, 100km southwest of Melbourne. Grape growing in this region dates back more than 200 years, with Swiss settlers planting Victoria’s first vineyards here in the early 1800s. The rich volcanic soil and continental climate at our estate produces premium fruit with a flavour, bouquet and colour that is unique to our surrounding area.
Gary and Robyn Farr purchased the original property in 1994 and the second section in 1998—this latter had been untouched for almost 40 years and consisted of dense boxthorn and noxious weeds. The final piece of the puzzle, which links the two blocks of land, was purchased by Nick and Cassie Farr in 2011, making a total of 130 acres—of which 36 acres are under vine and the remainder is maintained as grazing and cropping for cattle and horses. With a mixture of different clones and rootstocks, the grape varieties grown here are viognier, chardonnay, pinot noir, gamay and shiraz.
Nick and Gary Farr stand side by side, but aren’t afraid to go head-to-head when their opinions differ. Each generation has developed a distinctive winemaking style based on his individual experience and taste, and their respective lines—By Farr by Gary, and Farr Rising by Nick—have received critical acclaim both in Australia and overseas. BY FARR
