By Farr - "GC" Cote Vineyard Chardonnay Geelong 2021 750ml (13.5% ABV)
we could only get 3!
About this rare release: the GC - Cote Vineyard bottling
The GC Chardonnay (GC – Gary Charles) is attributed to all the knowledge extracted from Gary to create a high density planting of chardonnay on an exposed côte. Facing north, north-east and east for the full combination of soil types. This site will be the backbone of the Farr dynasty for decades to come.
They consist of the most suitable clones, rootstocks, trellising and management you will find for our landscape. This is our tribute to what ‘Gazza’ has achieved and provoked over 40 years not only in our region but for chardonnay and pinot noir of Australia.
The North côte is a red to brown loam with buckshot stones across the surface. The most exposed of the three côtes, the North côte is harvested last of all because of the large amount of clay, holding valuable moisture for a much longer time than the other slopes.
The East côte is divided through the centre of the slope by a rise. Black volcanic soil with fragmented limestone in one direction and grey loam with buckshot stones in the other direction. Soil is King as the East côte has the least amount of clay and therefore least water-holding capacity resulting in it being harvested first even though it is the coolest côte of the three.
these plots are planted very densely, more akin to an European vineyard.
About the estate:
Gary and Robyn Farr purchased the original property in 1994 and the second section in 1998—this latter had been untouched for almost 40 years and consisted of dense boxthorn and noxious weeds. The final piece of the puzzle, which links the two blocks of land, was purchased by Nick and Cassie Farr in 2011, making a total of 130 acres—of which 36 acres are under vine and the remainder is maintained as grazing and cropping for cattle and horses. The Farr estate is located in the Moorabool Valley between Geelong and Ballarat, 100km southwest of Melbourne. Grape growing in this region dates back more than 200 years, with Swiss settlers planting Victoria’s first vineyards here in the early 1800s. The microclimate of the Moorabool Valley is both cool and harsh for viticulture, due to the low rainfall and ever-prevailing winds that sweep across the barren western plains of Victoria.
The wine has an amazing smoothness and calmness that stretches the length of the palate, surrounded with textured fruit and mineral elements. We have been playing with the fruit from these vineyards for more than 8 years, fine tuning the style of wine that these vineyards are producing. What a result once it all came together.
stone fruit, toast, lemon peel, chalky minerality, smoky flint undertones, medium to full bodied, mouthwatering acidity and freshness, weighty yet impeccably balanced, about as good as New World Chard gets.
can be cellared for 10-15 years
region: Geelong, Victoria, Australia
varietal: Chardonnay
style: white
farming/cellar: the fruit is hand-picked then whole-bunch pressed in the winery. Slow natural ferments take place (in barrel) generally over 1-2 months. Stirring only to kickstart Malo-Ferment. The wine is then racked, fined and lightly filtered. 50% new French oak.
pairing: