Mac Forbes Ferguson Chardonnay 2022 from the south‑facing Ferguson vineyard in Woori Yallock is a seriously exciting, single‑site Upper Yarra white, all waxed citrus, tension and depth, and arguably the most complete of Mac’s Chardonnay trio in 2022. This 2022 Mac Forbes Ferguson Chardonnay is tight, energetic and quietly powerful – very much in that mineral, almost Chablis‑esque cool‑climate vein that Chardonnay lovers chase.

In the glass you’re looking at vibrant aromatics of waxed lemon and grapefruit, orange blossom, citrus oil and spicy crushed herb, wrapped around a core of citrus, apple skin and white stone fruit. There’s almond meal, crushed rock and a saline edge, with a silty, fine‑grained structure and piercing acidity driving a long, chalky, nutty finish – complex, layered and built to unwind over time. Think high‑altitude precision with real mid‑palate generosity rather than lean austerity.

Food‑wise, this is a dream with roast chicken and tarragon, pan‑seared snapper, scallops in brown butter or a rich prawn and fennel risotto, where that citrus‑mineral line slices through the richness. It will also sing with grilled lobster, roast cauliflower with almonds, soft‑rind cheeses and refined Japanese dishes – a top‑shelf Yarra Chardonnay that absolutely deserves pride of place on a special‑occasion table.