2022 Mac Forbes Hugh Cabernets

The 2022 Mac Forbes Hugh Cabernets, named after Mac's father, is a gorgeously elegant example of why Yarra Vallery Cabernet blends are so unique, and so cherished.

Sourced from premium vineyards across the Valley floor, the blend is dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, with components of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. It underwent 10% whole bunch fermentation and was matured for 13 months in just older oak. As usual, it was made using indigenous yeast and with no fining.

The 2022 vintage delivered perfect growing conditions for these varieties, resulting in a wine with deliciously ripe flavours but still fresh and balanced. On the nose it's full of cranberry, dark cherry, and crushed herbs, while the palate is long and medium-bodied, with pure red fruits, silky tannins and a fresh, lingering finish.

Hugh is always a wine that Mac Forbes lovers collect, and the 2022 is one of the best releases in years.  Enjoy it now or cellar it for years to come—this wine is all about harmony, elegance, and a true sense of place.

96 points
"A blend of cabernet sauvignon/merlot/cabernet franc/petit verdot; three weeks on skins then pressed to seasoned barriques for 16 months. A bright, medium ruby crimson. Quite a step up on the 2021. An attractive and fragrant melange of dark cherries, blackcurrant and cedar with a touch of violet. Medium bodied and elegant with fine-grained and persistent tannins that are in perfect harmony with the fruit. Bravo."
- Philip Rich (Halliday Wine Companion)

94 points
"Dark, leathery, wet bark, soft palate, spiced, green tobacco leaves grip, hints of blue fruit, a bit of animal meaty start and then a pretty turn on violet pastille/liquorice. It’s dark in profile, textural, but all in all elegant and svelte with firm plummy flow and curious lightness. It opens up in the glass, gives away cloves, dried peppermint, lavender and a little toasty/hazelnut husk note. Yarra claret, why not, fresh, max medium-bodied red at your (daily) service."
- Kasia Sobiesiak (The Wine Front)