2022 Forest Hill Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Great Southern

This enchanting cabernet has been produced from a blend of sites on the estate vineyard, including plantings from 1975 and a small parcel from the oldest malbec vines. It has a flawlessly rich palate with abundant blackcurrant fruit embraced by integrated French oak and ripe tannins.

96 points Special Value James Halliday winecompanion.com.au

Forest Hill Estate Cabernet Sauvignon from Great Southern is a structured, elegant, and deeply expressive red that showcases the power and finesse of one of Western Australia’s most underappreciated terroirs. Sourced from some of the oldest Cabernet vines in the region—planted in the 1970s on Mount Barker’s gravelly soils—this wine reflects both heritage and precision, crafted with restraint and clarity by winemaker Liam Carmody.

Forest Hill is a name with history. Originally established in the 1960s, it was one of the first vineyards planted in Western Australia’s Great Southern region. Today, it remains family owned and focused entirely on estate-grown fruit. The cool climate, elevation, and ancient soils of Mount Barker produce Cabernet of aromatic intensity, refined tannin structure, and long ageing potential.

The fruit for the Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is hand harvested and fermented in small batches with gentle cap management to preserve fruit purity and build structure. The wine is aged for 18 months in French oak, with a modest portion of new barrels used to add complexity without dominating the varietal character.

In the glass, Forest Hill Estate Cabernet Sauvignon opens with classic aromas of cassis, black cherry, bay leaf, cedar, and graphite. The palate is medium to full bodied and tightly focused, with dark berry fruit, fine grained tannins, a savoury edge, and a long finish marked by bright acidity and gravelly minerality. It’s a Cabernet that speaks of place, balance, and quiet power—less showy, more serious.

Perfect with lamb cutlets, roast beef, or aged cheddar, this wine is built to cellar for 10 to 15 years, gaining nuance and softness with time.