2025 Forest Hill Estate Gewurztraminer, Mount Barker

The Forest Hill Estate Gewürztraminer from Mount Barker in Western Australia’s Great Southern is a fragrant, textural white that shows how well this aromatic variety thrives in cool-climate conditions. Forest Hill, the oldest cool-climate vineyard in the state, has a reputation for producing site-expressive wines with precision and finesse. While Riesling and Chardonnay are the flagship whites, Gewürztraminer is a hidden gem in their range, offering a more exotic, perfumed alternative while still reflecting the region’s trademark elegance.

The Estate range fruit is sourced from mature, dry-grown vineyards on gravelly loam soils over granite. The cooler nights of Mount Barker preserve freshness, while careful handpicking and gentle pressing ensure the delicate aromatics of Gewürztraminer are retained. A mix of stainless steel fermentation and some time on lees builds both vibrancy and texture.

In the glass it is pale straw with a golden hue. The bouquet is expressive and aromatic, bursting with lychee, rose petal, Turkish delight and citrus blossom, underpinned by ginger spice and a hint of musk. On the palate it is medium-bodied and silky, with juicy tropical fruits and citrus framed by a subtle phenolic grip that adds structure. The finish is long, dry and slightly savoury, keeping the wine refreshing rather than sweet.

Food pairings highlight its exotic perfume and texture: spicy Thai green curry, Szechuan stir-fry, pork dumplings, or Moroccan chicken tagine. Vegetarian pairings like roasted pumpkin with cumin or a fragrant lentil dhal also work beautifully. It pairs particularly well with strong cheeses such as Munster or blue. Best enjoyed young for vibrancy, though it can develop honeyed, spicy complexity over 5 to 7 years.