By Farr Chardonnay 2021
Vineyard: 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.
Vinification: The fruit is hand-picked then whole-bunch pressed in the winery. All the solids are collected and chilled before being put to barrel, which are 30 per cent new French oak. A natural fermentation will occur at cool temperatures over the next one to two months, and then a small amount of stirring helps start malolactic fermentation. The wine is then racked, fined and lightly filtered before bottling 11 months after picking. A very mineral site for chardonnay.
Tasting Note: Super sleek, intense nose, thrilling acid lines, of ripe citrus and river pebbles. It’s mouth-watering, saline and brimming with nervous energy. This shows an understanding of acid like few can. Amazing power for a wine of this weight, it is hard to imagine where the flavour is hiding. Beyond impressive.
Reserved, quiet bouquet of stone fruits including white peach and pear, a hint of fresh-baked bread, the palate delicate and restrained, soft and round, with a clean, dry finish enhanced by a trace of grip. There's good intensity and the wine has a seamless balance. It should build richness and complexity with a little more time.
95 Points, Huon Hook.
