Tout Pres was planted in 2001 and is a very special and intriguing site. It rises above the other vineyards, and each of the three slopes consists of a different soil type. The largest slope is black volcanic soil over limestone; the second is quartz gravel mixed with red ironstone; the third is an iron strand in grey sandy loam. With every year that passes, the Tout Pres vineyard’s subtleness and delicate fruit structure are becoming increasingly pronounced. It is a tightly packed combination of plums and undergrowth with an edgy acidity - one of our favourites. Nick Farr, Winemaker.
These two Pinots share a symmetry. There’s recognisable DNA from the house of Farr that’s undeniable, something that’s becoming more exclusive in modern wine making. The concept of tasting a wine and being able to tell who made it, is more and more uncommon. Thankfully, that’s never been an issue from the Farrs. The difference between the two Pinots comes primarily from the site within the property, trellising and handling. Tout Pres, from its miniature and densely packed vines delivers a wine of greater density of palate too. That fuller texture gives the wine more richness, palate weight and more noticeable softness. The Tout Prés has more sweet perfume, aromatic wood and more toasty, chocolate and mocha warmth, yet follows the path of brilliant freshness and expressive tension. Ben Knight, Critic.
VINIFICATION
Tout Pres is made using the same process as the other two pinots. It is fermented with 100 per cent whole bunches (80 per cent in 2011) in a five-tonne oak fermenter. This wine has the largest flavour profile and intensity, to absorb 100 per cent new French oak from Allier. A wine with truly understated power and richness—the classic peacock’s tail.
TASTING NOTES
Producer tasting notes: (2023 vintage) "With every year that passes, the Tout Pres vineyard’s subtleness and delicate fruit structure are becoming increasingly pronounced in the wine. The bouquet fills the glass with spicy fruit, mineral elements and a hint of integrated French oak, with the darkness and essence of the Moorabool Valley true expressions of site. This wine exhibits primary and secondary flavours, which strengthen the overall integration for a seamless finish. It is a tightly packed combination of plums and undergrowth with an edgy acidity—and one of our favourite drops." - Wine by Farr
