By Farr Tout Pres Pinot Noir 2013

Description

Flagship wine in the By Farr stable .. Tout pres means “closely planted” vines (based on rationale that competition between vines produces more intensely flavoured fruit) 100% whole bunch fermentation produces plenty of savoury, forrest floor complexity.
Winemakers Garry & Nick Farr say ... “Tout Pres is our very special and intriguing site. Over only 2.5 acres, it has three individual soil types, across a three sided cirque (an amphitheatre like valley head) that rises above the other vineyards. Each slope consists of a soil type. The largest slope is black volcanic soil of limestone, the second is quartz gravel mixed with red ironstone soil and the third, an iron strand in grey sandy loam. The clones that will acclimatize and mutate over time are currently 113, 114, 115, 667, 777 and MV6 in this vineyard to become the Tout Pres clone.
Tout Pres is the most densely planted vineyard on the estate, hence its name “very cosy” at 7500 vines/ ha. The land is a challenge to farm, but well worth the effort. The soils and competition between the vines force the vines to work hard and not unexpectedly this leads to excellence. The fruit is lush but masculine provides the coveted structure found only in the most age-worthy wines.  Impeccable pedigree.
Tout Pres is made in the same process as the other two pinot but is fermented with 100% whole bunches in a oak fermenter. This wine has the largest flavour profile and intensity to absorb 100% new Allier French barrels.  A wine with truly understated power.”

97 points James Halliday 2017 Australian Wine Companion: “From a 1ha vineyard in an amphitheatre with three different soil types, 6 clones mutated into a single Tout Pres clone planted at 7300 vines per ha, normally 100% whole bunches in a single 5-tonne open fermenter. An extra year may be part of the reason, the vintage another part, why this is radically different to the other Pinots in the portfolio? The Farrs themselves would say it’s the vineyard’s unique terroir, including the ultra-close planting. Its the most savoury of the Pinots, but not so savoury that it diminishes the dark cherry/berry fruit and sweet spices at the heart of the wine.”

97 Points, Nick Stock, jamessuckling.com  “This is another pinot masterpiece from the experienced hands of Gary Farr. Super concentrated and commanding, it has the classic iron fist in a velvet glove style of powerful elegance. The nose is composed and fragrant with rich dark cherry fruits, bergamot, fresh foresty aromas and cola; oak is beautifully integrated. The palate has impeccable balance from start to finish. Dense and yet silky, tannins build evenly and the wine flows effortlessly, delivering dark spiced cherry flavor with essence-like concentration. This has all the class of Grand Cru Burgundy. Drink now and for up to 10+ years.”