2020 Mac Forbes "RS6" Riesling, Yarra Valley, Australia

Mac Forbes’ winemaking approach for the "RS6" (where "RS" denotes the wine's residual sugar) involves highly intentional sub-regional sourcing and gentle handling. Grapes are sourced from the Strathbogie Ranges, known for its high-altitude, cool climate, which ensures vibrant acidity and expressive fruit. The fruit for the "RS6" is typically picked later than the estate's drier styles (e.g., about 14 days after the early-picked "RS22") to develop a slightly more generous and aromatic fruit profile. The juice is fermented in concrete vessels, allowing for micro-oxygenation without imparting any oak flavors, preserving the grape's natural purity and tension. 

Following fermentation, the wine is transferred to a single foudre (a traditional, large oak vat) for maturation. This step softens the acidity, builds a textural mid-palate, and adds complexity without overwhelming the delicate Riesling character.

Mac Forbes is a pioneering, Yarra Valley-based winemaker who founded his eponymous winery in 2004. He draws heavy inspiration from older, mid-to-late 20th-century European practices, as well as renowned winemakers like Dirk Niepoort in Portugal.  

Renowned for his terroir-driven approach, he focuses on producing elegant, low-intervention Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Cabernets in the Yarra Valley, alongside Riesling from the cooler Strathbogie Ranges. Forbes maps the nuances of the Yarra Valley, releasing site-specific, single-vineyard wines rather than relying on broader regional labels. Grapes are hand-harvested, wild-yeast fermented, and aged in old French oak. He leaves his wines unfined and unfiltered. He picks significantly earlier than many traditional producers to preserve natural acidity, delicate fruit aromatics, and texture. Organic and biodynamic farming.