Mac Forbes Gladysdale Village Chardonnay 2023 from the southern Yarra Valley is a seriously exciting white, packing aromatic lift, texture and finesse from cooler forests, grey‑brown clays and extra sunlight in this tucked‑away sub‑region. This 2023 Mac Forbes Gladysdale Village Chardonnay is all about tension meeting generosity in the glass.

On the nose you’ll see subtle white pear, gentle citrus, orange pith and hazelnut, with a little pear‑skin savouriness adding interest. The palate is tightly structured yet upfront and mouth‑filling, pithy and long, with a beautifully supple feel over a fine acid spine that screams high‑quality cool‑climate Chardonnay. It’s medium‑bodied, dry and complex, already impressive but clearly built to unfurl with a bit of time.

For food, think roast chicken with lemon and thyme, grilled garfish, scallops in brown butter or prawn risotto, where that pithy, nutty line cuts through richness. It will also sit beautifully next to roast pumpkin with hazelnuts, miso‑glazed salmon, soft‑rind cheeses and creamy leek tarts – a versatile Yarra Chardonnay that absolutely deserves a prime spot at your next dinner.