2013 Tout Pres By Farr Pinot Noir

Winemaker Nick Farr considers this Pinot Noir his finest of the trio. It’s the most densely planted vineyard on the site which forces the vines to work hard resulting in fruit that’s rich but masculine and structured. Fermented with 100% whole bunches in a five tonne oak fermenter this wine has the flavour profile and intensity to absorb 100% new Allier French barrels.

Rich, powerful and structured, this is an Outstanding Tout Pres

Shows excellent depth of colour with a deep dark red core and a dark crimson red hue. Sensational nose with aromas of subtle violets, dark cherries and strawberries overlaying some meatiness, clove and delicate earth with spicy end notes. Rich, savoury and supplely textured, this is as close as it gets to impersonating Grand Cru Burgundy. Mouthfilling flavours of ripe dark cherries and strawberries intertwine themselves with meaty game like characters, clove, subtle earth and spicy cedar. The very fine grained tannins have an underlying structure and are in perfect harmony with the fruit. Tremendous power wave that finishes with a very long and persistent aftertaste of dark cherries, dark strawberries, game, clove and spicy cedar.
Cellar 6-8 years.
Alc 13.5%

Other reviews...
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. It’s 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
James Halliday - Halliday Wine Companion