2021 By Farr Sangreal Pinot Noir

The 2021 By Farr Sangreal Pinot Noir is one of Australia’s benchmark cool-climate Pinots, crafted from the estate’s most established and revered vineyard. Sourced from close-planted vines in Bannockburn, Geelong, this wine combines Burgundian inspiration with unmistakably Australian character. Sangreal has long been the jewel in the By Farr crown, renowned for its perfume, finesse and remarkable ability to age gracefully.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2021 Sangreal shows a vibrant, medium ruby hue with a translucent rim, hinting at both delicacy and concentration. The nose is beautifully perfumed and layered: rose petals, violets and wild strawberries weave together with red cherries, pomegranate, subtle forest floor, and gentle spice notes of cinnamon and star anise. A faint smoky, pencil-shaving character and a touch of dried herbs add complexity without overwhelming the fruit. On the palate, this is poised and finely structured, with silky but precise tannins and a bright, cooling acidity that carries the flavours long across the tongue. Expect pure red cherry and raspberry, blood orange, and cranberry, wrapped in savory tones of earth, underbrush, and subtle whole-bunch spice. The oak is seamlessly integrated, contributing fine-grained texture and a whisper of vanilla and toast rather than overt sweetness. Already seductive in its youth, the 2021 has the balance and structure to evolve beautifully for 8–15 years, gaining more truffle, game and autumnal complexity with careful cellaring.

Production
Sangreal is drawn from one of By Farr’s oldest and most cherished Pinot Noir blocks in Bannockburn, within the Geelong region of Victoria – a cool, maritime-influenced area known for its long growing season and complex, clay-limestone and volcanic soils. These close-planted vines, farmed with a strong focus on soil health and low yields, give naturally concentrated and aromatic fruit. Harvest is typically carried out by hand to allow strict bunch selection at the vineyard. In the winery, a significant proportion of whole bunches is used during fermentation, contributing aromatic lift, spice and fine, stem-derived tannins. Fermentation occurs with indigenous yeasts in small open-top fermenters, with gentle plunging to avoid over-extraction. The wine is then matured in high-quality French oak barriques, with a relatively high proportion of new oak, for around 18 months before bottling, ensuring both structure and elegance while preserving Sangreal’s signature perfume.

Food & Serving
The 2021 By Farr Sangreal Pinot Noir is an exceptionally versatile food wine, pairing beautifully with dishes that reflect its balance of delicacy and savouriness. Think roast duck with cherries, crispy-skinned pork belly, game birds, mushroom risotto, or simply grilled salmon and tuna. It also shines alongside charcuterie, soft and semi-soft cheeses like Brie, Reblochon, or a mild washed rind, and earthy vegetable dishes featuring beetroot, lentils or truffle. Serve at 14–16°C to accentuate its aromatics and freshness; if opened in its youth, decanting for 45–60 minutes is recommended to allow the bouquet to fully unfurl and the tannins to soften.

Producer
By Farr is a family-owned estate based in Bannockburn, Geelong, founded by the acclaimed winemaker Gary Farr and now driven forward by his son, Nick Farr. With a background that includes extensive experience in Burgundy, Gary brought a Burgundian sensibility to Geelong, focusing on site expression, low yields and meticulous craftsmanship. By Farr has become one of Australia’s most respected producers of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, repeatedly earning top scores and critical acclaim both domestically and internationally. Their vineyards, planted to showcase the nuances of soil and exposure, form a patchwork of distinct single sites, with Sangreal standing as one of the most iconic. This continual pursuit of precision and terroir expression has cemented By Farr as a reference-point producer in the Australian cool-climate landscape.