2023 Forest Hill Estate Shiraz, Great Southern

Meaty, gamey, ripe red berry, sweet cherry, cinnamon buns, clove and dark chocolate drinking powder all going on here. A bit of warmth, some breathiness, but the general sweet fruit/savoury mesh works well and delivers a full experience of medium-plus-weight shiraz. It's a pleasing drink and inviting to all comers.

91 points Mike Bennie winecompanion.com.au

Forest Hill Estate Shiraz from Great Southern is a beautifully proportioned cool climate Shiraz that captures the purity, spice and elegance that the region is famous for. Forest Hill is one of Western Australia’s most historic vineyards, first planted in the nineteen sixties, and its Shiraz vines sit on elevated slopes of gravelly loam, ironstone and decomposed granite. These ancient soils combined with the cool, wind influenced climate around Mount Barker create fruit with deep colour, vibrant aromatics and fine, savoury tannins. Great Southern Shiraz has long been admired for its peppery lift and refined structure, and Forest Hill consistently produces one of the most complete and expressive examples.

The winemaking is gentle and highly detailed. Fruit is hand picked from select blocks, fermented in small batches and treated with a careful mix of whole berries and whole bunches depending on vintage. This approach builds aromatic spice and silky tannins while preserving the wine’s natural freshness. Ageing takes place in high quality French oak, mostly seasoned, adding subtle structure and complexity without heavy sweetness. The aim is always balance and purity, allowing the vineyard’s cool climate character to shine.

In the glass it shows a deep ruby colour with violet highlights. The nose is lifted and complex with blackberry, dark cherry and mulberry layered over cracked pepper, violets, star anise and subtle smoked meat. Beneath the spice lie earthy tones of damp granite, cocoa and dried herbs, giving it a distinctly Great Southern savouriness. As it opens, hints of blueberry, cedar and black olive add further depth.

The palate is medium to full bodied with beautiful clarity and poise. Juicy dark berries flow across the tongue wrapped in fine, powdery tannins and bright acidity that keeps everything fresh and dynamic. Flavours of plum, blackberry, cherry, pepper, graphite and gentle oak spice build through the mid palate. The wine finishes long, clean and slightly savoury with lingering dark fruit, pepper and a mineral thread that reflects its granitic soils. It drinks wonderfully young but has the structure and cool climate drive to age gracefully for eight to twelve years.

Pair it with chargrilled lamb cutlets, pepper crusted beef, roast duck, venison sausages, mushroom ragù, aged cheddar, roasted root vegetables or smoky barbecued dishes. Its spice and freshness make it superbly versatile at the table.