2024 Irrewarra Pinot Noir

This is a special vineyard project located in the heart of the Western District Farming country, approximately 150km south-west of Melbourne.

Irrewarra is surrounded by inland lakes and volcanic plains and with this diverse and beautiful landscape, the vines rely on a high amount of natural rainfall throughout the year as the Western plains are quite exposed to the elements, which contributes to the vineyard sites mystic.

It is a site that truly reflects the complexities and varietal characters of the vines that are planted in this cool climate region. The vineyard was planted by the Calvert family in 2001 to a mixture of clones on their own roots. It is predominantly Pinot Noir with 6 acres and accompanied by 2 acres of Chardonnay.

The vineyard sits at the top of the slope facing large water reserves ‘Salt Lake’ and the ‘Calvert Lough’ to the north. Now managed by the Farr team, Nick Farr takes just as much care in these vineyards as he does in his Geelong estate.

"Spice grip and char then softness, then more tart bright sinewy notes. The nose is petals and perfume, then darker, richer barrel notes. It is a really lovely aroma. Actually, calling it lovely diminishes it somewhat, this is unique, complex and entirely appealing for those looking for something more from a glass of Pinot Noir.

There is a different oak profile maybe, something smokier, something more angular. It really works with this wine, even if I’m wrong about the new oak regime. Whatever it is, be it new or just more present, adds a layer to this wine. 

The Irrewarra only improves with each vintage, it seems, and this is no different. I sat with this for a little while and those spice notes just kept delivering, and each sip or sniff offered something new and delicious."

- BEN KNIGHT, CRITIC