$99.00
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Region: Geelong
Grapes: Chardonnay
First Glance: Quiet Power, Minerality, Textural, Freshness
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 fruit is hand-picked then whole-bunch pressed in the winery. All the solids are collected and chilled before being put to French oak barrels, of which are 30% are new. All natural fermentation at cool temperatures over one to two months, and then a small amount of stirring to help start malolactic fermentation. The wine is then racked, fined and lightly filtered before bottling after a total of 11 months elevage.
The trademark characteristics of the wine are understated power and length with a mineral finish. The wine has a great fruit expression that is well integrated with the French oak. The soil characteristics have come through, with a fine but firm palate that has great acidity, texture and length. This wine is rich in flavour, yet very refined.