By Farr 'Tout Pres' Pinot Noir 2022
Tout Pres was planted in 2001 and is a very special and intriguing site. It rises above the other vineyards, and each of the three slopes consists of a different soil type. The largest slope is black volcanic soil over limestone; the second is quartz gravel mixed with red ironstone; the third is an iron strand in grey sandy loam. The clones, which will acclimatise and mutate over time to become the ?Tout Pres clone?, are 113, 114, 115, 667, 777 and MV6.
With 7300 vines per ha, Tout Pres is a densely planted vineyard on the estate?hence its name, which translates as ?very cosy?. This land is a challenge to farm, but well worth the effort. The soils and close competition force the vines to work hard, with the result being fruit that is lush but masculine, and which provides the coveted structure found only in the most age-worthy wines. By Farr's notes.
I tasted the three new By Farr wines with Nick during the past week and WOW what a threesome. These are killer wines at the top of their class. I recommend them highly.
Don?t be deceived by the pale colour, it?s a Nick Farr trick. Spicy aromatics, power & density pervade the nose & palate. The power of the fruit is intoxicating with dark cherry, herb, mineral, dusty brown spices, undergrowth & hints of root vegetables. WOW ! It goes on & on with hidden power. There is a kind of savoury fruit sweetness; its hedonistic; long & quite dramatic. I have been cellaring this wine since 1st release and 10 years down the track is it?s perfect place. I love it. Ian Cook, FWC.
