Mac Forbes EB84 Francly Ridiculous Cabernet Franc 2022 from the cool Macedon Ranges is a wonderfully sappy, mid‑weight red that channels Loire‑like lift through a distinctly Victorian lens, all at a gluggable 11.5% alcohol. This 2022 Mac Forbes EB84 Francly Ridiculous Cabernet Franc is both playful and serious, showing why Mac went “francly ridiculous” distances to find the right Cab Franc fruit.

In the glass you’ll find a snap of old‑world leafy freshness, red and black brambly fruits, cranberry, red cherry and a little raspberry, layered with gentle spice and a chalky, fine‑grained tannin line. It’s light to medium‑bodied, supple and elegant, with a savoury, herbal edge and that trademark transparency Mac chases – more about texture, energy and perfume than oak or sheer weight. A fantastic example of cool‑climate Cabernet Franc that still feels unmistakably Aussie.

Food‑wise, reach for charcuterie, grilled lamb cutlets, herb‑roasted chicken, pork sausages or mushroom‑rich pasta, where that leafy lift and crunchy red fruit really sing. It’s equally at home with pizza, lentil and beetroot salads, hard cheeses and a Thursday‑night burger – a super‑versatile, chillable red that’s as happy on the couch as it is at a long lunch.