Mac Forbes Spear Gully Chardonnay 2022 from Hoddles Creek in the Upper Yarra is a razor‑sharp, single‑vineyard white that crackles with citrus, mineral drive and that beautiful red‑soil purity this site is known for. This 2022 Mac Forbes Spear Gully Chardonnay is one of the more tightly wound, high‑energy wines in the single‑vineyard line‑up, and will really reward time in glass or a decant.

In the glass you’re looking at lemon and grapefruit, green apple and lime, with subtle white florals, almond skin and a whisper of struck‑match reduction. The palate has serious drive and edge – zesty citrus and crunchy apple up front, then subtle nutty tones, saline twist and a fine, almost calcium‑like chalkiness through the finish, all shaped by volcanic red soils at 270 m elevation. It’s intense yet beautifully precise rather than broad or blowsy.

For food, this sings with freshly shucked oysters, pan‑fried snapper, whiting, scallops in brown butter or a lemony roast chicken, where that line of acidity and saline edge cut through richness. It will also match brilliantly with prawn pasta, grilled asparagus, goat’s cheese tarts and fine Japanese‑influenced seafood – a seriously classy, focused Yarra Chardonnay that’s perfect for special dinners and cellaring alike.