Mac Forbes Gladysdale Village Pinot Noir 2022

The roundest, spiciest and most opulent of the village wines. Licorice, black cherry, chocolate, cassis and bay leaf lead onto a rich and succulent palate. Plenty of tang to be sure, amongst all the sweet dark fruit, and spice, loads of Christmas spice, lavender wood and tobacco. Great tension of elements, the flesh of fruit, gripped by taut and sinewy tannin. A great release. Waters Wine Co

 

From the Little Yarra and Willowlake vineyards in Gladysdale. As with all the Village pinots in 2022, this had between 10–20% whole bunches and three to four weeks on skins before being pressed to seasoned oak for 11 months. A light, bright crimson. Cool fruited with aromas of raspberries, redcurrants and a little pomegranate together with some gentle florals and spice. There’s good vibrancy on the palate, too, with fine-grained, silky tannins and chalky acidity keeping the wine balanced and structured. 94 points, Halliday Wine Companion

 

Sitting at the southern end of the Yarra below Yarra Junction in the valley running north-south down to Gippsland. Gladysdale subregion receives increased warm air that travels down the valley, with increased air moisture content due to the surrounding forests and higher solar radiation. Grey/brown clay soils dominate, with full, rich aromatics and a supple structure that sits prominently on the front palate.

 

Dark cherry, baking spice and a sinewy hint of fresh mulch leap out of the glass. Fresh red cherry and goji berry dance lightly across the palate, with silty structure adding depth and complexity to quite a heady wine. Producer’s notes