2024 Forest Hill Block 2 Riesling, Mount Barker

Lifted aromas of white and red flowers, yellow peach and sweet citrus. The palate has a backbone of minerality and packed with citrus and fresh cut melon flavour. Juicy and softly textured, the palate has lovely balance with the fruit sweetness and natural acidity working harmoniously.

Gold Medal 95 points Royal Melbourne Wine Show 2024

Forest Hill Vineyard, located in Mount Barker, Western Australia, is renowned for its Block 2 Riesling, a wine that exemplifies the region's cool-climate viticulture. The vineyard, established in 1965, holds the distinction of being the first cool-climate vineyard planted in Western Australia. The Block 2 Riesling is crafted from vines planted in 1975, which are dry-grown and meticulously managed to produce grapes of exceptional quality.

The winemaking team at Forest Hill Vineyard is dedicated to minimal intervention, allowing the unique characteristics of the vineyard to shine through in the wine. The grapes are hand-harvested in several passes to ensure optimal ripeness. They are then whole-bunch pressed, and the juice is chilled and settled. Fermentation occurs with a mix of wild and cultured yeasts, with temperatures kept cool to elongate the process. A small portion of the juice is racked to seasoned Austrian oak barrels, while the rest is racked to stainless steel tanks. The wine then develops complexity through extended time on lees.

In the glass, the Block 2 Riesling presents a bright pale straw color with green hues. The nose offers lifted aromas of citrus zest, grapefruit, subtle yellow fruits, and wet stones. On the palate, it is racy and textured from the extended contact on lees, with serious intensity. The wine's structure and acidity suggest excellent aging potential, allowing it to develop further complexity over time.