2024 Forest Hill Estate Riesling, Mount Barker

This was picked a month earlier than 2023 and comes from the younger vines and includes some of the Geisenheim clones. Has a distinctive beeswax aroma with plenty of bright talcy bath salts character. Has good depth and long flavours with a fine acidity sustaining the finish. Has a lovely bright fruit character to it.

92 points rayjordanwine.com.au

As Western Australia’s oldest cool-climate vineyard, Forest Hill has a rich history dating back to the 1960s when it became the first vineyard planted in the region. With a strong focus on minimal intervention and sustainability, the winery produces site-driven wines that reflect the pristine environment of Mount Barker.

Pale straw in color, this Riesling is intensely aromatic, with lifted notes of lime zest, green apple, and jasmine, complemented by subtle hints of wet stone and flinty minerality. The palate is crisp and structured, delivering bright citrus flavors of lemon and grapefruit, balanced by a fine chalky texture and racy acidity. A long, mineral-driven finish lingers with notes of saline and crushed limestone, showcasing the wine’s cool-climate origins and aging potential.

This Riesling is an excellent match for freshly shucked oysters, Thai-spiced seafood, or grilled prawns with citrus dressing. Its high acidity and mineral complexity also pair beautifully with goat cheese, sushi, and light vegetarian dishes. While drinking beautifully in its youth, it has the potential to age gracefully for over a decade, developing richer honeyed and toasty notes over time.