2016 By Farr RP Cote Vineyard Pinot Noir

The initials RP stand for Robyn Pamela, Nick Farr’s mum and matriarch of the Farr family. The fruit for this wine is sourced from the Côte Vineyard, it’s a close-planted parcel on an exposed slope, with hillsides facing north, northeast and east comprising of the most suitable clones, rootstocks, trellising and management you’ll find on the Farr’s landscape. Fruit is handpicked and sorted in the vineyard, then fermented in an open-top fermenter. Between 40 to 50% of the fruit will be destemmed and then cold soaked for four days. Maturation takes place in 50 to 60% new Allier French oak barrels for 18 months.

Smooth, powerful and epically long this is a magnificent Pinot Noir that on a comparative basis to Burgundy makes it a relative bargain.

Deep dark red core with a slight tinge of black to the edgings and a dark red hue. An alluring perfume of violets, red to dark cherries, ripe strawberries and a gentle whiff of anise flows through the nostrils with great intensity. Adding layers of complexity are smoky vanillin cedar, game, forest floor, light clove and spicy dried herbs. Reminiscent of a great Burgundy, the rich yet graceful palate sees sumptuous flavours of dark cherries, strawberries, forest floor, game, light clove, smoky cedar and spicy dried herbs expanding across the palate like a peacocks tail. Light on its feet yet epically powerful with a supple mouthfeel and beautifully integrated silky smooth tannins it finishes exceptionally long and savoury.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 13.5%

Other Reviews.....
A multifaceted blend of pinot from tightly spaced propitious sites, all on an exposed hillside: loams, gravel, clays and limestone abutting sandstone. This complex geology imparts a depth and multitude of textures to the resultant wine, a delicious and sumptuous potpourri of sour cherry, strawberry, damson plum, five-spice and lilac. Beautifully perfumed and all soprano; the tannins a curtain of a detailed weave. Plenty of whole-bunch spice, too, as is the estate's wont Buried. Barely discernible. Delicious. Balletic and verging on effortless. Drink by 2026.
98 points
Ned Goodwin - James Halliday's Australian Wine Companion