by Farr Chardonnay 2024
(Geelong, Australia)

About the Winery:
By Farr Wines is a family-owned winery founded in 1994 by Gary and Robyn Farr in Victoria’s Moorabool Valley, between Geelong and Ballarat, about 100km southwest of Melbourne. Grape growing in this region dates back more than 200 years, with Swiss settlers planting Victoria’s first vineyards here in the early 1800s. 

Drawn to the region’s cool climate and distinctive terroir, the Farr family established vineyards dedicated to expressive, site-driven wines. Today, the 130-acre estate comprises 36 acres under vine, with the balance devoted to grazing and cropping for cattle and horses.

The vineyards are planted with a combination of Viognier, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Gamay and Shiraz, and farmed with a focus on quality and character. The winemaking philosophy is rooted in minimal intervention, allowing each season and parcel to speak clearly in the glass.

Father Gary's experience as a hands-on winemaker was shaped by time spent at Domain Dujac in Burgundy, Cristom in Oregon and Calera in California. And like his father, son Nick has experience at international vineyards, including Cristom in Oregon, Au Bon Climate in California, and Domain Dujac in Burgundy. Training with the famed Dominque Lafon has served as the inspiration for by Farr's wines.

About this 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 clones used for the chardonnay are a mixture of Dijon clones and Penfolds 58. This combination produces the wine’s notable energy and verve.

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 Notes:
The trademark characteristics of the wine produced on our site are understated power and length with a mineral finish. The wine has a great fruit expression that is well integrated with French oak. The soil characteristics have come through in the style of wine we have today. The palate is fine but firm, with great acidity, texture and length. This wine is rich in flavor, yet very refined.

Ratings & Reviews

95 Points - The Wine Front (an Australian-only wine review magazine)