Mac Forbes Little Yarra Chardonnay 2022 from Gladysdale in the southern Yarra is a quietly powerful, single‑vineyard white that brings fleshy fruit, cool‑climate zip and serious detail together in one neat package. This 2022 Mac Forbes Little Yarra Chardonnay has a touch more openness and early drinkability than some of his tauter Upper Yarra sites, without losing that hallmark precision.

Initially a little shy, it really blossoms with air – expect fleshy stone fruits, white peach and nectarine, jasmine, bush honey and lime pith, wrapped in flinty, struck‑match edges and a subtle waxy, nutty undercurrent. The palate is bright up front with crisp white peach and citrus, then stretches out on sinewy, tactile phenolics, delivering length, depth and a saline, mineral twist that keeps each sip refreshing. Wild‑yeast ferment and ten months in seasoned oak add quiet complexity rather than overt oak flavour.

Food‑wise, Little Yarra Chardonnay 2022 is made for roast chicken, pan‑fried snapper, prawn and fennel risotto or grilled garfish, where that bright acidity and stone‑fruit weight find perfect balance. It will also sing with roast cauliflower and almonds, soft‑rind cheeses, leek tarts and simple grilled veggies, making it an easy, versatile choice for both mid‑week dinners and more polished long lunches.