2025 Forest Hill Estate Riesling, Mount Barker

A pretty riesling, soft textured, with lemon oil and mandarin juice, some blood orange elements, touches of floral perfume and faint Turkish delight in there, too. A little sweetness leads the wine, but feels just so with the brittle acidity. Good refreshment factor; strong riesling character. It works a treat in its simple, up-and-down way.

93 points Special Value Mike Bennnie winecompanion.com.au

Forest Hill Estate Riesling from Mount Barker is one of Western Australia’s most distinctive cool climate Rieslings, shaped by the region’s ancient soils, bracing acidity and Forest Hill’s status as one of the oldest vineyards in the Great Southern. The estate was first planted in the nineteen sixties, making it a true pioneer of the region. The Riesling vines sit on elevated gravelly loam and decomposed granite, soils that deliver incredible purity, citrus intensity and a fine, chalky mineral line. Mount Barker’s long, cool growing season and the sweeping winds from the Southern Ocean keep the fruit taut and aromatic, giving this wine its crystalline structure and trademark precision.

The winemaking is focused entirely on clarity and site expression. Grapes are hand harvested in the cool of morning and whole bunch pressed to preserve delicacy. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel at low temperatures, allowing the wine’s vibrant citrus notes and flinty mineral edge to shine without distraction. No oak is used. Minimal handling and a meticulous approach give Forest Hill Riesling its sleek texture, shimmering acidity and pure varietal character. It is a style that leans toward the classic Great Southern profile: dry, racy and intensely perfumed.

In the glass it shows a pale straw colour with green hues. The nose is lifted and detailed with lime zest, lemon pith, green apple and white blossom layered over talc, crushed quartz and a subtle herbal lift. As it opens, notes of citrus oil, jasmine and a fine wet stone character emerge, reflecting the vineyard’s granitic soils and cool climate.

The palate is taut, dry and wonderfully focused. Bright flavours of lime juice, grapefruit, green apple and lemon sherbet glide along a spine of mouthwatering acidity. A fine chalky texture builds through the mid palate, adding structure without weight. Flashes of mineral spice, citrus blossom and subtle fennel carry into a long, crisp and refreshing finish. The purity and drive make it one of the most consistently impressive Rieslings from Mount Barker, delicious in its youth yet capable of ageing gracefully for a decade or more, developing characters of honey, lanolin and toast.

It pairs beautifully with oysters, scallops, grilled prawns, Thai dishes with lime and ginger, Vietnamese salads, salt and pepper squid, soft goat cheese and light chicken preparations. Its tension and freshness make it an incredibly versatile food wine.