Mac Forbes

Mac Forbes is a highly respected and influential winemaker in the Yarra Valley, Victoria, known for his relentless pursuit of a nuanced, site-specific style. His philosophy is deeply rooted in terroir, with a focus on producing wines that are a pure expression of their individual vineyard blocks. Forbes' approach is a blend of old-world European sensibility and modern viticultural precision, aiming for wines with tension, texture, and exceptional longevity.

Winemaking Philosophy & Methods

Forbes's winemaking is driven by a desire to capture the subtle differences of each vineyard. He is a hands-on viticulturist and a low-intervention winemaker, believing that the character of the wine is built in the vineyard.

• Vineyard Management: Mac Forbes works with a wide range of vineyards across the Yarra Valley, each chosen for its unique soil, aspect, and microclimate. A key focus is on sustainable viticulture, with a strong emphasis on soil health and canopy management. He is a proponent of minimal intervention in the vineyard, allowing the vines to express their natural character.

• Harvest & Fermentation: Grapes are hand-picked at optimal ripeness, a point that emphasizes freshness and natural acidity over high sugar levels. All fermentations are spontaneous, using indigenous yeasts from the vineyard. This allows for a slower, more natural process that contributes to the wine's complexity and sense of place.

• Additives & Filtration: Forbes follows a minimal intervention approach in the cellar. The wines are unfined and unfiltered to preserve their texture, flavor, and aromatic complexity. Sulfur is used sparingly, if at all, to ensure stability.

• Aging & Vessels: The wines are aged in a combination of new and seasoned French oak barrels of various sizes, with the amount of new oak carefully managed to support the wine without overpowering it. The focus is on texture and the slow, natural development of the wine.

Grapes & Wines

Mac Forbes's portfolio is renowned for its detailed and site-specific range of cool-climate varieties, particularly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

• Pinot Noir: This is his flagship red variety. Forbes produces a range of single-vineyard Pinot Noirs, such as "Woori Yallock" and "Hoddles Creek," which are a masterclass in expressing the subtle differences of each site. His wines are elegant, aromatic, and known for their fine tannins and savory complexity.

• Chardonnay: A key white variety, his Chardonnays are known for their tension, minerality, and texture. They are a pure expression of the cool-climate Yarra Valley, with a focus on bright acidity and a long, focused finish.

• Riesling: Forbes has a particular passion for Riesling and has a number of projects dedicated to this variety. His Rieslings are known for their purity, intensity, and a unique aromatic profile.

• Other Varieties: Mac Forbes also works with a diverse range of other grapes, including Pinot Gris and Pinot Meunier, often in unique and experimental styles.