By Farr Farr Rising Pinot Noir 2023

The Farr Rising pinot vineyard was planted in 2001 using a large mixture of rootstocks, but only three clones—MV6, 114 and 115. It is a very exposed and hungry north-facing slope, consisting of grey sandy loam mixed with an ironstone pebble (buckshot) at the top. This leads into black volcanic soil over limestone at the bottom of the vineyard.

The fruit is hand harvested, and then sorted in the vineyard. The fruit is fermented in an open-top fermenter, and an average 60 to 70 per cent of it is destemmed. The wine is placed in 20 to 30 per cent new Allier barrels by gravity. It is racked by gas after secondary fermentation, then again at 18 months to be bottled. Over time, the site has shown that it can certainly stand up to its bigger brothers.

In my opinion, I often wonder when the concept of “Farr Rising” will be considered “risen” .... Ripe, generous, and round in the mouth. This offers weight and intensity you rarely see from this grape. Spice, dark spice, not herbal at all and black ripe fruits all on full show. It’s a powerhouse and entirely seductive, in a way that only Pinot Noir can be. A part of that ability to entice and deliver at the same time, comes down to balance. This is a big Pinot Noir, but it’s still perfumed and has freshness that doesn’t dominate. It’s utterly impressive for a wine that is considered - on the rise! Ben Knight