Tout Près Pinot Noir

By Farr Tout Près Pinot Noir is grown in the most densely planted vineyard on the estate – hence its French name, which translates as 'very close'.

The high density plantings force the vines to work hard and build resilience, fostering lush, intensely flavoured fruit. The site is a challenge to farm, but the effort has its rewards.

The vineyard rises in three slopes, each with vastly different soils. The largest is black volcanic soil over limestone; the next, quartz gravel with red ironstone; the third an iron strand in grey sandy loam.

The grapes are entirely whole bunch wild fermented in a five tonne oak fermenter. Once the cap falls, the juice is pressed. Racked after malolactic fermentation, the wine matures in new French oak.

During fermentation the grape's density means it has the capacity to absorb the 100 per cent new Allier coopered French oak. This instils the structure found only in the most age worthy wines.

Vermillion red, By Farr Tout Près Pinot Noir has spicy fruit flavours, mineral elements and edgy acidity.

A wine of understated power and seamless finish. Cellaring potential is 12 years.