2018 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.
The Sangreal is slightly deeper in colour with a dark red core surrounded by black tinged edges and a dark red hue. Perhaps a shade more restrained than the Farrside, yet still showing great aromatic intensity, spicy dark cherry, winter strawberry and a faint whiff of sour cherry fruits are complexed by meaty clove like characters, faintly dusted cedar, traces of stalk, forest floor and dried herb notes. Beautifully textured red to dark cherry and vivid strawberry fruits decorate the palate uniting with dried clove, a subtle stalkiness, forest floor and spicy cedar to form an outstanding power wave of flavour. Slightly more masculine tannins and brighter acidity provide formidable structure. Long and very savoury conclusion.
Cellar 8-10 years.
Alc. 13%

Other Reviews….
Medium to full red colour with a tinge of purple and a touch of new leather to sniff, smoked meats and spices, the bunchy style of bouquet at a far remove from simple grapy fruit aromas. Floral notes emerge with airing time. The wine is full-bodied and firmly structured, a serious pinot that will take many years in its stride and needs time to show its best. Power with finesse. A superb pinot. Drink: 2020 to 2033.
97 points
Huon Hooke – The Real Review

What a truly, seriously good wine this is. I’m not sure how they produced this from the 2018 season but produce it they have.
Length. Power. Personality. And presence. Not set within a varietal straight-jacket but set within a varietal context. Undergrowth, tang, woodsmoke, sweet-meaty-spices, more length, more dry flavour-infused tannin, more dazzle, more substance, more than you could expect or beg to ask. I looked at this over the course of 24 hours and but the end my head was spinning. I love wine. I loved this wine. This frankly is what it’s all about. Drink 2021-2030+
96 points
Campbell Mattinson – The Wine Front