2008 Mac Forbes Wines Pinot Noir Woori Yallock

Light, bright red. Fragrant, floral-accented scents of red berry preserves, cherry, star anise and dried flowers. Racy but surprisingly concentrated strawberry and raspberry flavors possess a strong mineral spine and pack a solid punch, but without any obvious fat. Lots of flavor here but the wine is graceful rather than rich. Finishes with very good tangy cut and lingering sweetness. A New World pinot with real elegance. In fact, this compelling set of pinots must rank among the more ethereal examples of the variety I have tasted in a very long time, from anywhere.

With a very pale ruby color and an earthy / meaty quality, the 2008 Woori Yallock Pinot Noir gives a moderate intensity of strawberry, underbrush and subtle game aromas. The medium-bodied palate has crisp acidity and a low level of very fine tannins with a long finish. Drink this one now though 2014. Winemaker Mac Forbes, formerly with Mount Mary, has now gone out on his own purchasing fruit from across Yarra Valley and crafting wines to his own unique style. The Pinots in particular have received split opinions from the locals, some adoring these very pale colored, delicate wines while others think he’s gone too far in the “delicate” direction. While I respect his vision, I do think some of the wines are a little lacking in intensity and structure. For those that like to live life on the light side, I think there’s a lot of pleasure to be had from his Pinots as well as the Chardonnays. Importer: Ronnie Sanders, Vine Street Imports, Philadelphia, PA; tel. (215) 533-9464