By Farr 'Tout Pres' Pinot Noir 2022
The Wine
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. The concept of tasting a wine and being able to tell who made it, is more and more uncommon. Thankfully, that’s never been an issue from the Farrs. The difference between the two Pinots comes primarily from the site within the property, trellising and handling. Tout Pres, from its miniature and densely packed vines delivers a wine of greater density of palate too. That fuller texture gives the wine more richness, palate weight and more noticeable softness. The Tout Prés has more sweet perfume, aromatic wood and more toasty, chocolate and mocha warmth, yet follows the path of brilliant freshness and expressive tension.’ Ben Knight for Nick Farr
On the 2021: 98 pts Huon Hooke, The Real Review ‘Deep, bright red with a good tint of purple and a very savoury bouquet with dry straw mulch, root vegetable, raspberry and beetroot characters, the palate bright and lively with fresh acidity and abundant but balanced tannins which add structure and drive. Awesome power and concentration; seriously impressive. This will reward cellaring although it already drinks superbly. Drink 2024-2036. 25 Nov 2023.’
The Details
Variety - Pinot Noir
Country - Australia
Region - Victoria
Sub Region - Geelong, Moorabool
Extra - Cork
Year - 2022
Volume - 750ml
About the Wine Maker 
The Farr estate is located in the Moorabool Valley between Geelong and Ballarat, 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. The rich volcanic soil and continental climate at our estate produces premium fruit with a flavour, bouquet and colour that is unique to our surrounding area.
Gary and Robyn Farr purchased the original property in 1994 and the second section in 1998—this latter had been untouched for almost 40 years and consisted of dense boxthorn and noxious weeds. The final piece of the puzzle, which links the two blocks of land, was purchased by Nick and Cassie Farr in 2011, making a total of 130 acres—of which 36 acres are under vine and the remainder is maintained as grazing and cropping for cattle and horses. With a mixture of different clones and rootstocks, the grape varieties grown here are viognier, chardonnay, pinot noir, gamay and shiraz.
Nick and Gary Farr stand side by side, but aren’t afraid to go head-to-head when their opinions differ. Each generation has developed a distinctive winemaking style based on his individual experience and taste, and their respective lines—By Farr by Gary, and Farr Rising by Nick—have received critical acclaim both in Australia and overseas. BY FARR
