The Bass By Farr!
Arguably the two most iconic Pinot producers in Australia today,
both with an enviable French connection.
BY FARR has become a staple for many Pinot connoisseurs in recent years, probably the only producer capable of releasing both their Pinots and Chardonnay without critic reviews and being guaranteed to sell out. Both Gary and Nick Farr have been regular visitors to Domaine Dujac during the past few decades, honing their near-perfect craft whilst working with this epic producer considered to be one of the finest in Burgundy. Whilst the Chardonnay and Pinot are always popular, don’t discount their straight Viognier, a magical wine that Huon Hooke has rated the best example in the country on four occasions this past decade. Speaking of Viognier & best example in the country, By Farr Shiraz (now with a dash of Viognier) has been topping the charts in recent years with 97-98pt ratings in each of the last 4 vintages. I was stunned by how impressive this latest 2022 was, in fact it was my highlight of the pre-release tasting.
Nick Farr believes it is the best Shiraz he has ever made, don’t miss it! Wine by Farr is best known for pinot noir—which is produced under several individual-block labels, Sangreal, Farrside, Tout Près and Côte Vineyard—and chardonnay, the best of which are exceptionally fine and complex. However, Wine By Farr also makes a rare and very special viognier, one of the few great examples in Australia; a gamay, the grape of Beaujolais; and an outstanding and arguably underrated shiraz. Huon Hooke
BASS PHILLIP has undergone a massive transformation in recent years with the likeable (and occasionally cantankerous) Phillip Jones being bought out by heralded Burgundian producer Jean-Marie Fourrier. Whilst the transition wasn’t without issues what has emerged is a label in top form and likely to be much more consistent in the years to come. 2021 was the first vintage fully under the control of the French powerhouse and this release from 2022 is just as good, with both releases of the Estate Pinot rating in the Top 3 releases of the last decade (2022 – equal best ever!) and both releases of the Premium Pinot ranked outright first and equal second. Whilst a little Forest Gump magic has been lost with Phillip Jones departure (wines were like a box of chocolates), this new age of Bass Phillip seems to be in very capable hands.
“These wines have a concentration, structure and depth of colour and flavour that takes us to Burgundy more than do most Australian pinot noirs. And high-level Burgundy at that.” Huon Hooke
As always tiny quantities of these magnificent wines, so we urge you to order now to avoid missing out!
