2023 Forest Hill Block 9 Shiraz, Mount Barker

Multiple picks from the single site lend complexity to the wine. Medium weight, silky textured and highly perfumed red wine with a pleasing, savoury bent. Red cherry, a touch of cola, some green olive, game meat, dusty spices, mint and pepper. Lithe and fresh feeling with a light dusting of grippy tannin that falls in a web over the wine. A sense of elegance, and a distinct 'syrah-like' sensibility to this wine. It's not trying too hard, but effortlessly makes the (high) grade.

95 points Mike Bennie winecompanion.com.au

Forest Hill Block 9 Shiraz from Mount Barker is a superb expression of cool climate Shiraz from one of Western Australia’s oldest and most characterful vineyard sites. Block 9 is a special parcel within the historic Forest Hill estate, originally planted in the nineteen sixties and now home to some of the region’s most mature Shiraz vines. These old vines dig deep into gravelly loam, iron rich laterite and decomposed granite, soils that give the wine its lifted aromatics, fine tannins and distinct mineral edge. Mount Barker’s long, cool growing season, combined with strong Southern Ocean breezes, creates fruit with purity, spice and beautiful natural acidity. Block 9 has become a flagship for Forest Hill and a benchmark for those seeking a more perfumed, structured and elegant style of Shiraz.

The winemaking is precise and intentionally restrained. Fruit from Block 9 is hand picked and fermented in small open top vessels, often with a proportion of whole bunches to enhance aromatic lift, savoury complexity and silky tannins. Gentle plunging and minimal extraction protect the wine’s finesse. Maturation takes place in French oak, largely seasoned, adding subtle framing without overshadowing the vineyard’s cool climate character. The result is a Shiraz of purity, depth and quiet power, crafted with absolute respect for one of Mount Barker’s finest blocks.

In the glass it shows a deep ruby colour with purple highlights. The nose is incredibly aromatic, offering blackberry, black cherry and mulberry along with cracked pepper, violet, star anise and charcuterie like savouriness. Beneath the fruit lie mineral tones of crushed granite, graphite and warm earth that speak directly to the Block 9 soils. As the wine opens, hints of blueberry, cocoa, black olive and subtle cedar add further nuance.

The palate is refined, vibrant and layered. Dark berry fruit glides across the tongue carried by fine, powdery tannins and lively acidity. Flavours of blackberry, plum skin, cherry, pepper, spice and mineral earthiness unfold with beautiful clarity. The texture is silky yet structured, reflecting the concentration of old vine fruit. The finish is long, savoury and elegant with lingering dark fruit, lifted spice and a clean granitic backbone. It is a compelling cool climate Shiraz that will age gracefully for ten to fifteen years, developing even more savoury depth over time.

Pair it with chargrilled lamb cutlets, pepper crusted beef, venison, roast duck, mushroom dishes, aged cheddar, charcuterie or roasted root vegetables. Its combination of perfume, spice and fine structure makes it a versatile and sophisticated table wine.