The Farr Rising Pinot Noir is one of those wines that never fails to impress, often rivalling the quality of its bigger By Farr siblings. Much more approachable in their youth, recent back vintage tastings show they also have excellent cellaring potential over the medium term. On a comparative basis to Burgundy it delivers great value for money.

Planted in 2001 to three clones MV6, 114 and 115 the Farr Rising Pinot vineyard has 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 sorted in the vineyard with fermentation taking place in open-top fermenters of which 60% to 70% of the fruit is typically destemmed. The wine is matured in Allier barrels (20-30% new) for 18 months.