Mac Forbes Gladysdale ‘Villages’ Chardonnay 2022
Really nice fruit presence here, and the faintest detection of savoury elements too. Wheat? Biscuit? I can't quite place it. Oak crosses my mind - almost never seen in Mac Forbes wines - and upon enquiry I am told that the wine has seen 3.5% new oak (whether this is detectable on the palate, I am not sure). This answer of '3.5%' is humorous on two fronts (1) the exacting nature of winemaking at this address and (2) how little oak the team uses across the wines (30% new oak would be a common answer for many Chardonnay producers across much of Australia). Anyway, the wine is delicious and, like the Woori Yallock, has a touch more ripeness than previous releases. It's long, citric, youthful and bursting with energy and freshness. - Ches Cook, FWC.
Sitting nestled below Yarra Junction in the Upper Yarra, Gladysdale is an area that has confused. Due to cooler temperatures, assumptions have suggested a later picking date. However, we have often commenced picking for the season in Gladysdale which goes against convention. Recently we determined that these vineyards have some of the highest solar Irradiation levels in the Yarra. Gladysdale wines typically carry a sunshine volume and quality not seen else where. Attached to a bed of clay loam these are very appealing as younger wines without compromising age ability. The wine shows seductive yellow stone fruits and honeysuckle play on the nose, with just a hint of curd providing intrigue. Generosity on the palate is balanced with bright fresh fruits and a fine silty structure that knits everything together. - Mac Forbes.