2017 Chardonnay By Farr

The Chardonnay by Farr comes from the same site as the Sangreal Pinot Noir. It’s an exposed, hungry north-facing slope of red soil over limestone, planted in 1994, the vines a mixture of Dijon clones and P58. Fruit is picked by hand and whole-bunch pressed. All the solids are collected and chilled before being put to French oak barrels (30% new). Natural fermentation occurs over the next two to three weeks at cool temperatures. After fermentation, a bit of stirring helps start malolactic fermentation, which is usually completed by mid-spring. The wine is then racked, fined and lightly filtered before bottling 11 months after picking.

A complex, texturally finessed Chardonnay the combines underlying power with a sense of freshness.

Brilliant pale straw colour with greenish tinged edges and a watery hue. Intense white peach and dried honey aromas intermix with cashew and biscuity oak over some citrusy nougat and spice. Rich white peach and dried honey flavours laced with cashew provide the palate with an elegant creamy feel yet the finish is one of freshness and refinement. Biscuity nougat, citrus and subtle infusions of gun flint all add complexity. Superb length. Perfectly balanced acidity with a long fresh white peach, dried honey, citrus, cashew, biscuity nougat and light gun flint aftertaste.
Cellar 5-6 years.
Alc. 13%