2015 Sangreal By Farr Pinot Noir

The Sangreal Vineyard is the oldest planting (1994) on a north-facing slope of red ironstone on the surface going to limestone to bluestone below. The rows run north to south, gaining full sun exposure throughout the day and resulting in prettier, more perfumed wines. It’s always the first vineyard to be harvested and is consistently made with 60 to 70% whole bunch and aged in new oak for 18 months.

Deep dark red colour, perhaps a tad deeper than the Farrside with black tinged edges and a dark crimson hue. Perfumed scents of violets intertwined with dark cherries, strawberries and subtle dried clove overlay a delicate earthy meatiness followed by spicy cedar and dried herb end notes. Slightly lighter in weight than the Farrside but equally powerful the palate delivers deliciously savoury flavours of ripe red cherries and strawberries, subtle infusions of dried clove, meaty characters, dried herbs and spicy cedar. There’s superb balance between the vibrant fruit, well-judged acidity and velvet like yet structural tannins. Very long aftertaste of ripe red cherries, strawberry, subtle dried clove, meaty characters and spicy vanillin cedar.
Cellar 6-8 years.
Alc 13.5%

Other Reviews….
Clones 114 and 115 planted '94, believed to have mutated into a single 'Sangreal' clone, 66% whole bunches, 4 days cold soak, wild yeast open-fermented 8 days, matured in new French oak for 18 months. Deeply coloured, depth and savoury complexity the cornerstones of great pinots. Spices from an Arabian bazaar intermingle sinuously with vibrant berry fruits, a skein of refreshing acidity adding another dimension to a wine that continuously draws saliva from the mouth. It is already a complete wine, its future measured in decades, not years. Drink by 2035.
97 points
James Halliday – Australian Wine Companion