FOREST HILL
Mount Barker, Western Australia
Forest Hill Vineyard has a unique place in the history of Western Australia’s wine industry, being the first cool climate vineyard planted in the state. Following extensive research throughout the South-West, a site was chosen on the property owned by Tony and Betty Pearce and in 1965 a two hectare vineyard was planted. 50 years on Forest Hill is family owned and run. The wines are crafted in Denmark with the grapes sourced from the old, dry grown, Forest Hill Vineyard in Mount Barker. The wines reflect the site, the season and the people that nurture them. There is a passion for the region, it’s climate and the wines, and to recognise Forest Hill as a unique and historic property. The philosophy of dry-farming the vineyards was an original character which has continued. They see themselves as custodians of the region and it’s old vines planted at Forest Hill and have focussed on re-habilitation of the creek-lines and other areas to rejuvenate the property to its historical condition, planting large numbers of native trees on the property.
Forest Hill helped establish Western Australia's Great Southern as one of the country's leading cool-climate regions. The estate combines sustainable farming with a focus on elegant, site-driven wines. Estate Chardonnay offers citrus, stone fruit and fine acidity in a style that is elegant and food friendly. Ideal with seafood and lighter dishes.
Complex aromas of blackcurrant, black olives, bay leaf, cloves and other floral spice. The palate shows more dark fruit, lavender and spice along an elegant, fine tannin line with lovely medium weight. Still fresh after over 15 years, this is a beautiful expression of cool climate Cabernet Sauvignon.
Deep purple. Lifted and intense aromas of blackberries, olives, cigar box and some floral spice. The palate is muscular and powerful which will reward cellaring. Flavours of blackberry and red currant with fine and long tannin structure.
This Malbec is sourced from a single site at Forest Hill Vineyard, on a slightly south facing slope - dry grown on duplex soil of gravel loam over clay. The wine displays characteristic fruits of the forest aromas, particularly blueberry, with a mix of bright floral spice. The palate is supple and soft but has a lovely line of density and tannin structure. Drink now and over the next 5+ years. Great with lamb.
Intense vibrant purple hues. Lifted aromas of spice particularly black pepper and fennel seed, olive tapenade and florals. Palate is packed with blackberry and spiced plum flavours. Silky tannins and intense persistence.
Lifted aromas of blue fruits with florals and classic Mount Barker spice. Medium bodied but dense with fine ripe tannin and well balanced natural acidity.
Gold & Trophy – Royal Perth Wine Awards
Lots going on here: flinty mineral notes, soft, just-ripe stone fruits, green apple acidity, a touch of sake-like umami, great intensity and supple texture with some chalky pucker. A roll call of success right there. Delicious drinking, effortless too, a kind of understatement despite the detail. It feels fancy in its relaxed way.
Bright straw with green hues. Aromas of citrus peel, nectarine and toasted nuts. Elegant palate with flavours of grapefruit and white stonefruit. Textured and complex, the wines natural acidity leads to a long finish.
Bright pale straw with green hues. Lifted aromas of citrus zest, grapefruit, subtle yellow fruits, and wet stones. The palate is racy and textured from the extended contact on lees with serious intensity.
Bright pale straw with green hues. Lifted aromas of blossom, citrus and subtle yellow fruits. The palate is energetic and textured with citrus juice flavours
TOP 25 Wines - WA Good Food & Wine Guide