By Farr Tout Pres Pinot Noir 2024

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.

Tout Pres is fermented with 100 per cent whole bunches (80 per cent in 2011) in a five-tonne oak fermenter. This wine has the largest flavour profile and intensity, to absorb 100 per cent new French oak from Allier. A wine with truly understated power and richness—the classic peacock’s tail.

TASTING NOTE – ‘These two Pinots share a symmetry. There’s recognisable DNA from the house of Farr that’s undeniable, something that’s becoming more exclusive in modern wine making.
Striking nose of stems and spice.  A textbook example of whole bunch wine making, by the foremost proponent of this style in the southern hemisphere.
The ability to replicate flavours from a specific site.  This ability that makes wine unique.  The part of winemaking that very few can do.  A fermented product made from fruit and aged in wood that you can taste or even smell, and think, I know where that was grown and who made it.  The very definition of Terroir, I believe, it’s endlessly exciting.
The Tout Pres is mouthwatering.  It’s a riot of flavour.  Stems, spice, black tea, driving acidity and leathery dark fruit.  Pinot Noir in the New world rarely comes in this form, and its ability to divide a room is equal only to its ability to deliver unparallel, thrilling Pinot Noir expression.’ Ben Knight for Nick Farr.