The By Farr label boasts an unassailable pedigree, firmly anchored in the illustrious career of Gary Farr. Renowned for his winemaking prowess as the former head winemaker at Bannockburn, Gary honed his craft through vintages spent in the world's most esteemed Pinot Noir and Chardonnay regions, spanning Oregon, California, and, of course, the hallowed Côte d'Or of Burgundy at Domaine Dujac. His oenological explorations extended to France's Rhone Valley, culminating in the addition of Shiraz and Viognier to the portfolio. Gary's accolades include the prestigious title of Qantas/Wine Magazine Winemaker of the Year in 2001. His son, Nick, followed in his father's illustrious footsteps, embarking on vintages in the same revered regions and earning recognition as a finalist in Gourmet Traveller's Australian Winemaker of the Year awards in 2013.

Together, this dynamic duo crafts two distinct ranges: By Farr, a collection of wines meticulously derived from exceptional terroirs, and Farr Rising, wines tailored for more immediate enjoyment in an approachable style. Their vineyard holdings, characterized by free-draining, infertile soils, place them squarely among the world's elite for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay production.

The Shiraz grapes hail from the original By Farr vineyard, planted with care in 1994. This vineyard, graced with a north-facing slope, is ensconced in vibrant red volcanic soil with a limestone base and deep-set sandstone veins.

At harvest time, each grape is hand-picked from the VSP trellising, with a judicious 20 percent left as whole bunches during fermentation. Most vintages see a harmonious co-fermentation of 2 to 4 percent Viognier with the Shiraz, with the timing determining whether the former is co-fermented and then bled back. The fermentation process is wholly natural, with the fruit residing in the tank for a full 19 days before pressing. The Shiraz is gracefully aged for 18 months in French oak, with a generous 20 percent of the barrels being new, culminating in bottling under vacuum seal, preserving the wine's exceptional character.

By Farr's Shiraz is nothing short of an enological marvel, a testament to the Farr family's unwavering commitment to producing wines of unparalleled distinction.