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A new single-site Chardonnay into the Mac Forbes range, the Yarra Junction is a more generous Chardonnay from this leading Yarra producer.

Jayden Ong working with some very fine Chardonnay from the upper Yarra Valley.

Mac has a long history in Yarra Valley, starting out at Mount Mary before honing his skills in Burgundy and then returning back to the Yarra to start his own project. The Mac Forbes villages range is a reflection of the incredible diversity of one of Australia’s premier wine regions, the Yarra Valley. Each one shows the terroir of the site, while being made with restraint and traditional winemaking techniques.

Pale straw-green with a super-fine bead. This is very composed and complex, the 6 years on lees producing an array of different notes, some related to fruit others to that extended lees ageing. Sourdough crust, buttery pastry, green apples, toast, candied peel, white pepper and lime leaf all vie for attention. The palate reflects these flavours but also reveals stone fruit notes and a green apple crunchiness. The finish dry and savoury, the lemon-citrus acidity teasing out the length. A complex, refined wine that has depth of flavour, weight, texture and above all freshness.

This debut release marks an exciting step for Giant Steps and winemaker Mel Chester. With the Circle of Fifths Chardonnay, Mel and the team wanted to capture the character of the Yarra Valley in one glass. Blended from their renowned single vineyards - Tarraford, Sexton, Primavera, Applejack, and Bastard Hill - this wine gives you a snapshot of the season rather than focusing on a single site. It’s made with the same care and precision as the single vineyard wines: whole bunch pressed, wild fermented in French oak puncheons (15% new), and left on full lees until bottling for extra depth and texture. The 2024 season was all about balance - moderate yields, bright acidity, and vibrant fruit. The wine brings together citrus and stone fruit notes, with just a hint of oak spice in the background. It’s a bright, expressive Chardonnay that shows what the Yarra was all about in 2024. 96 points"An exciting new addition to the Giant Steps range, this new blend of all the single-vineyard wines is an absolute cracker and sits very comfortably in the range, both qualitatively and price-wise... By the time this is released in June it should be singing."- Philip Rich (Halliday Wine Companion) 95 points"It’s a killer chardonnay. Direct, powerful, long, potent with mid-palate flavour but searing and complex through the finish... It’s both dramatic and controlled. It tastes and feels like a wine from a producer who is at the top of its game."- Campbell Mattinson (The Wine Front)

The 2020 Rob Dolan Sig Chardonnay from Yarra Valley is a true testament to the region's reputation for producing exceptional Chardonnays. This vintage, crafted by renowned winemaker Rob Dolan of Victoria, boasts a pale straw colour with golden hues, inviting you to indulge in its elegant appearance. On the nose, delicate aromas of white peach, lemon zest, and subtle notes of vanilla entice the senses. On the palate, this Chardonnay offers a balanced and refreshing acidity, complemented by flavours of ripe nectarine, creamy vanilla, and a hint of toasted oak. The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a lingering impression of stone fruits and a touch of citrus. This wine is a true delight to the palate and a must-try for Chardonnay lovers. Enjoy it on its own or paired with grilled seafood or creamy pasta dishes.