2020 Mac Forbes Chardonnay, Yarra Valley, Australia

ABOUT THIS WINE

The 2020 season in the Yarra Valley will forever be remembered as a highly unusual and impossible-to-predict vintage. Significant weather events during flowering meant low yields and erratic temperatures in December and January saw unprecedented ripening behavior across many varieties. February rains were both welcome and anxiety-inducing, but ultimately the maturity and stability of the vines in the best parcels allowed fruit quality to shine through.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Mac Forbes first donned overalls in the South West of France at the tender age of eighteen. That summer was the catalyst for a now 20-year-long career which has seen Mac work with some of the most respected names in the business, both in Australia and overseas. Mac's early experiences covered the gamut of winemaking, teaching and marketing. From educating European distributors on Australian wines to consulting to Austrian winemakers, Mac developed a strong understanding of the international wine market and old fashioned winemaking. Returning to Australia in 2004, Mac kicked off his own project determined to marry some of the old world philosophies adapted to his beloved Yarra Valley. Determined, focused and able to multitask at high speed, Mac continues to drive the business forward. Vineyard and winery leases demonstrate his ongoing commitment to the Yarra Valley, and the next ten years look set to provide as much if not more excitement than the last.

Winemaker Austin Black joined the team in 2013 and brought with him a wealth of wine making experience. Having worked in New Zealand at Chard Farm Winery, Austin has focused his experience on cool climate regions developing his knowledge of Pinot Noir, Riesling and Syrah. While New Zealand was the catalyst for this Irishman’s wine making career, he has investigated the practices of the Old World with vintages in both Burgundy and Austria. A keen mountain biker, you will no doubt see Austin navigating the valley on two wheels.