2021 Mac Forbes Gladysdale Little Yarra Chardonnay

The 2021 Mac Forbes Gladysdale Little Yarra Chardonnay beautifully captures the essence of this cool corner of the Yarra Valley.

Sourced from the southern end of the valley, this vineyard benefits from warm air currents and increased moisture from surrounding forests, resulting in rich, aromatic fruit. The 2021 vintage enjoyed perfect conditions, allowing for a slow, even ripening that produced exceptional fruit. Mac's meticulous winemaking techniques include wild yeast fermentation and maturation in small old oak barrels for 10 months.

It has seductive aromatics of preserved lemon and custard apple, accented by hints of marzipan and crushed herb. The palate opens with a touch of salinity, leading to pithy citrus and fresh green apple skin. The talcy mineral structure provides grip through the mid-palate, finishing pure and focused, as is Mac's style.

The 2021 Little Yarra Chardonnay is delightful now but promises to evolve beautifully with age. Another alluring Chardonnay from the one-and-only Mac Forbes!

96 points
"My pick of the '21 single-vineyard chardonnays, this has a complex bouquet of just-picked nectarines, white flowers and oyster shells. The palate is nicely balanced, with good weight and concentration. It's also chalky textured, saline and long. And, like Mac Forbes' single-vineyard wines, in particular, it's been built to last."
- Philip Rich (Halliday Wine Companion)