Description
By Farr ‘Three Oaks’ 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.
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
Crystal clear golden straw colour. Showing a fleshy, minerally nose with fruit and integrated French oak but almost dominated by the soil characteristics and vintage freshness. The palate is really bright, with great fruit flavour and structure. The firm acidity is focused and long. As textured as any that have been produced from the By Farr vineyard. Superb aftertaste. This may turn out to be the best By Farr chardonnay they have made. Very Limited last bottles
