Forest Hill Block 5 Cabernet 2023

Tasting Notes

The 2023 Forest Hill Block 5 Cabernet showcases an incredibly aromatic and detailed nose, bursting with the scents of lavender, violets, and ripe red berries, complemented by hints of clove and cinnamon spice. On the palate, the wine is refreshingly juicy with a medium body, delivering vibrant dark fruit flavours of blackberry and plum, intertwined with savoury herbal and spice notes. The ultrafine tannins provide a silky texture that recalls fine stone and talc, while the use of concrete fermentation adds an intriguing layer of minerality and depth to the wine.

Matured in French oak hogsheads, the 2023 Block 5 Cabernet demonstrates both power and elegance. Its structure is beautifully balanced, with the fruit concentration complemented by subtle oak influence, ensuring this wine will continue to evolve gracefully with time.

Perfect Pairings

The Forest Hill Block 5 Cabernet is a versatile companion to a wide range of hearty dishes. Pair it with a slow-cooked lamb roast, grilled steaks, or a rich beef Wellington to bring out its full potential. It also complements a charcuterie platter with aged cheeses, or even a decadent dark chocolate dessert for those looking for a wine that works beautifully with both savoury and sweet flavours.

Additional Information

• Grape Variety: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
• Region: Mount Barker, Great Southern, Western Australia
• Cellaring Potential: 10-15 years
• Closure: Screwcap (for freshness and longevity)
• Style: Medium-bodied, complex red
• Serving Temperature: Best served between 16°C and 18°C

Awards

• 2023 Halliday Cabernet Challenge – Best Wine Trophy
• 97 Points – Ray Jordan “What a sensational wine. Perfumed and powerful with tremendous concentration and power. Used some concrete fermentation and stainless steel. Has beautiful elegance and weight through the palate with fine chalky tannins and fine-grained oak influence. Has such an ethereal aroma of violet and red berry. Tremendous power here yet it’s elegant and pretty. This is 100% cabernet”
• Winner – 2023 Halliday Cabernet Challenge

FAQ Wine Terms 🤔

• Concrete Fermentation: Fermenting wine in concrete tanks enhances the texture and complexity, as concrete is porous and allows for a more controlled, slower fermentation. This results in wines with a unique minerality and depth.
• Hogshead Barrels: These large 300L or 500L French oak barrels impart subtle oak influence while preserving the purity of the fruit flavours. The aging process in hogsheads provides structure and a smooth texture without overwhelming the wine with too much wood flavour.
• Ultrafine Tannins: Tannins are compounds in wine that contribute to structure and mouthfeel. “Ultrafine tannins” indicate a smooth, refined texture that provides balance without being overly astringent, allowing the fruit flavours to shine through.
• Terroir: This French term refers to the unique combination of soil, climate, and environment where the grapes are grown. The terroir of Forest Hill Vineyard, with its cool-climate and ironstone soils, imparts a distinctive freshness and minerality to the wine.