2013 By Farr Sangreal Pinot Noir

At just over 20 years old the Sangreal vineyard is the oldest By Farr vineyard. Always the first vineyard to be harvested it typically produces prettier, more perfumed wines. Sangreal is consistently made with a higher percentage of whole bunch than the Farrside and aged in new French oak for a period of 18 months.

Very deep dark red colour with some tinges of black around the edges and a dark red hue. Very perfumed the nose offers up enchanting aromas of violets, dark cherries and dark plum with a clove overlay followed by meaty and spicy cedar end notes. The palate shows more finesse and elegance than the Farrside not that it’s lacking anything in terms of richness or power, comparatively it’s a more savoury style. With all of the components sitting in perfect harmony the palate features a complex regime of flavours including dark cherries, subtle plum and a hint of sour cherries interlaced with a stalky clove like quality. Some smoky meat like characters, lightly toasted cedar and spice follow. Beautifully integrated tannins have excellent underlying structure. Finishes with a long savoury conclusion of spicy dark cherries, dark plum, subtle clove, smoky dried meats and spicy cedar.
Cellar 6-8 years.
Alc. 13%

Other Reviews….
The vineyard was planted in '94 to clones 114 and 115, believed to have mutated into a single 'Sangreal' clone. Always made with 50-70% whole bunches, and 60-70% new oak maturation for 18 months. Another very different iteration of pinot, the multifaceted bouquet with both red and black fruits in play, the same perfumed vehicle as Farr Rising, the palate of remarkable elegance and finesse, with exactly the right balance between pure pinot fruit flavours and structure ex the whole bunches. Drink by 2028.
13% Alc 
97 points
James Halliday – Australian Wine Companion