I regularly question my relevance in writing these notes, as such frequent exposure numbs the thrill. I expect a level of quality that is outrageously high and over time, you get used to them. I try to sit back and remember what it feels like to try these for the first time. It seems like an odd position, but in the world of Pinot Noir, there is an abundance of light red wines with some pretty smells, some even have nice texture. This is not that type of wine, it is far, far better. I’ve had so many of these amazing wines, my compass only has true north. The needle oscillates a little, but no more than a meander down an equally beautiful path. As I clumsily type this metaphor, I want it to mean that I’ve never had to search for my bearings, the wine is always in the right place.

The new Farrside is no exception, as it delivers notes of earth, petals, dark ripe fruit and black tea. It smells of spices, dried herbs and lifted notes that remind me of the stems that give this wine such power and life. There is a generosity in evolution to this wine, it is not merely tight and firm, it has softened, it has unfurled, and makes you go back to the glass, time and time again.

Vintage 2024 Harvest Notes from Nick

The feeling of the season leading up to the 2024 vintage, was one of hope. The property was poised for a healthy and vigorous growing season, yet rainfall is required for this to be achieved ! Some winter rains certainly helped but overall the Spring rains didn’t really eventuate as it had during the previous four years seasons. The resilience of the vineyards was evident though, with average cropping levels seemingly achievable with the assistance of some timely showers and irrigation to maintain the canopy through some warmer weather during February.

The season was certainly mild throughout but the warmer weather was only towards our first picking date of

27th Feb. We tested the waters and decided after two days of picking that the fruit was capable of achieving greater flavour. We resumed picking on the 4th March and never looked back. The Irrewarra

vineyard was started on the 19th March followed wonderfully by the Gamayand Shiraz. As we felt another vintage was coming to a close quite swiftly the Nebbiolo once again didn’t play ball. By mid April it was time to finish, so the Nebbiolo was picked and stalling at 12 Beaume. It was destined for Rose for another year.

The whites fermented extremely slowly but perhaps that has been an important factor in the tension that the wines have maintained, considering the warm finish to the season. Classic “Farr” – Calm power.

As for the reds, they certainly remind me of the 2016 vintage. Wines that where capable of being pushed a little harder than the previous 4 vintages. The end result yet still in barrel, have great concentration, character and poise becoming yet it is the smallest vintage since 2002.

By Farr Farrside Pinot Noir

The Farrside vineyard sits on a northeast-facing slope and consists of limestone topped with black volcanic soil. The vines were planted in 2001 and run east-west to protect the fruit from overexposure to the sun. The clones are a mixture of 114, 115, 777, 667 and MV6. Even though the Farrside and Sangreal vineyards are only 300 metres apart, the darker soils and cooler growing conditions of the Farrside vineyard mean these grapes are picked 10 to 12 days after all others and produce a more masculine and edgy wine.

Vinification

The fruit is hand-picked and sorted in the vineyard, then fermented in an open-top fermenter. Between 40 to 50 per cent of the fruit will be stemmed and then cold soaked for four days. We use only the natural yeast for the fermentation process, which takes roughly 12 days. Grape-stomping (known as pigeage) will occur two to three times a day depending on the amount of extraction required, and the wine is then placed in 50 to 60 per cent new Allier barrels by gravity. It is racked by gas after secondary fermentation, then again at 18 months to be bottled.

Tasting Notes

February 2023 : We are delighted to offer this wine in a window of drinkability. Now with bottle age the wine still shows the hallmarks of Farrside's vineyard character but with great finesse and an opulent masculinity yet finer tannins structure to complete the wine.

On Release : Each vintage of Farrside pinot noir exhibits more masculinity, structure and savoury components, while deep meaty, spicy and mineral flavours also continue to evolve. A balanced array of red and black fruits, Farrside pinot noir is fresh and edgy with bucketloads of character. This is a firm yet delicate wine with a long-textured finish.