Forest Hill Vineyard Shiraz 2022

Tasting Notes:

The Forest Hill Vineyard Shiraz 2022 greets the senses with lifted aromas of cherry, plum, and blue fruits, alongside delicate floral notes and the hallmark Mount Barker spice. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied with a juicy, fresh fruit profile. Flavours of ripe red and black cherries intermingle with subtle hints of liquorice and warm spices. The wine’s structure is supported by fine, ripe tannins and balanced acidity, resulting in a beautifully layered and satisfying finish.

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Perfect Pairings:

This Shiraz is an excellent match for a variety of dishes. Try it with grilled meats, such as lamb or beef, or a rich charcuterie platter, where the spice and fruit balance will complement the savoury flavours. It also pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables or a hearty stew, where its fresh, vibrant profile will elevate the richness of the dish. For a more casual pairing, enjoy it with a gourmet pizza or a burger with melted cheese, letting the wine’s approachable nature shine.

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Additional Information:

• Grape Variety: 100% Shiraz
• Region: Mount Barker, Great Southern, Western Australia
• Cellaring Potential: 5-10 years
• Closure: Screwcap (for consistency and freshness)
• Style: Fresh, medium-bodied Shiraz
• Serving Temperature: Best served between 16°C and 18°C

The 2022 vintage opens with vibrant aromas of blue fruits, floral notes, and the signature Mount Barker spice, adding complexity and depth. Aimed at highlighting the freshness of the fruit, approximately 80% of the wine is aged in large foudres, while the rest spends time in 500 and 600-litre barrels, minimising oak influence and allowing the bright character of the vineyard to shine.

The growing season of 2022 was unique, with a late harvest that allowed the grapes to ripen slowly and reach optimal flavour development. This extended ripening period is reflected in the inviting perfume of cherry, plum, and vibrant, energetic fruit. On the palate, the wine offers a medium body with excellent structure, supported by a solid core of fruit and fine, ripe tannins. The use of whole berry fermentation in open tanks adds brightness and freshness to the wine, without over-extracting, resulting in a lively and approachable Shiraz.

The palate is beautifully layered, with warm spices and subtle oak integration adding complexity. Juicy red and black cherries mix with hints of liquorice, offering a rich, satisfying finish that balances its vibrant acidity and smooth tannins. This Shiraz is a perfect example of modern winemaking that still respects the character of the vineyard, delivering a wine that’s both approachable and intriguing.

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Awards:

• Wine Companion – 96 Points
• Ray Jordan – 94 Points

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Technical Terms Explained:

• Foudres: Large oak vessels used for fermentation and maturation. The large size means the wine has minimal contact with the wood, preserving the fruit character and allowing the wine to develop complexity without strong oak flavours.
• Whole Berry Fermentation: A winemaking technique where whole, uncrushed grapes are fermented, which helps retain fresh, bright fruit flavours and reduces excessive extraction of tannins.
• Lees Contact: Refers to the time the wine spends in contact with the dead yeast cells after fermentation, adding texture and complexity to the wine.

• Tannins: Naturally occurring compounds in the skins, seeds, and stems of grapes that give wine structure and a dry sensation on the palate. Fine, ripe tannins, as found in this Shiraz, add a smooth, velvety texture.