2022 Farrside by Farr Pinot Noir

The Farrside vineyard consists of black volcanic soil over limestone on a northeast- facing slope. The vine rows run east to west to shade the fruit from over exposure. It’s a mixture of 114, 115, 777, 667 and MV6 clones. Although the Farrside and Sangreal vineyards are only 300m apart, the differing conditions mean that this vineyard is picked 10 to 12 days later. The fruit is hand-picked and sorted in the vineyard, then fermented in an open-top fermenter. Roughly 40-50% of the fruit will be destemmed and then cold soaked for four days. Winemaker Nick Farr uses only the natural yeast for the fermentation process, which takes roughly 12 days. Grape-stomping (known as pigeage) will occur two to three times a day depending on the amount of extraction required, and the wine is then placed in 50-60% new Allier barrels by gravity. It is racked by gas after secondary fermentation, then again at 18 months to be bottled.
Semi translucent red core with dark red toned edges and a light red hue. Soaring out of the glass with a perfumed like intensity are aromatics of violet, sour and red cherries, winter strawberries and dried clove which are trailed by some brambly rhubarb like notes, forest floor and spicy cedar. Light in body yet possessing terrific power, expansive red cherry and winter strawberry fruits are layered across the palate with a supple feel. Structured yet beautifully rendered fine grained tannins impart an underlying muscularity. Lending further sophistication are notions of rhubarb, a dash sour cherries, clove, brambly cedar, forest floor and spicy dried meat characters. Finishes fresh, exceptionally long and highly complex.
Drink over the next 8-10 years.
Alc. 13.5%