Forest Hill Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

Accolades

Wine Companion – 95 Points
“There is 3% malbec in this wine. A variety of blocks are utilised for the cabernet component. Sleek and elegant, really understated and refined. A sheath of lightweight but puckering, al dente tannin keeping in dark cherry, cassis, alpine herb notes, clove, white pepper and tobacco. The wine does two speeds of fruit friendly and fresh while being earthy, herbal and savoury at the same time. Excellent length, tightly wound and just so darn superb overall. How is this this price?! Ludicrous”

Perfect Pairings

This Cabernet is ideal for pairing with hearty dishes. Try it with grilled steaks, lamb racks, or slow-braised beef for a classic match. It also pairs wonderfully with hard cheeses like aged cheddar or a rich blue cheese, as well as mushroom-based dishes, where the wine’s complexity can truly shine.

Additional Information

The Forest Hill Vineyard Cabernet 2022 is a stunning representation of what this exceptional vineyard does best: produce world-class Cabernet Sauvignon. With carefully handled winemaking from hand-picked fruit to meticulous fermentation, the wine exemplifies the balance between nature and craft. The grapes were de-stemmed, chilled, and fermented in mostly open fermenters, with regular pumping over to ensure thorough aeration and extraction. Following fermentation, the wine spent 12 months in French barriques (25% new), allowing for malolactic fermentation to seamlessly integrate the oak and grape tannins.

This wine is a blend from Forest Hill’s Blocks 5, 6, and 7, as well as younger fruit from Block 10, showcasing the unique terroir of the Mount Barker region. The gravelly loams over clay, combined with dry-growing methods and minimal intervention farming, contribute to a wine that speaks of its place with purity and intensity. The addition of Malbec from older vines enhances the depth and complexity of the wine, giving it an added layer of richness.

• Grape Variety: 97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Malbec
• Region: Mount Barker, Great Southern, Western Australia
• Cellaring Potential: 15 years
• Closure: Screwcap (for freshness and longevity)
• Style: Full-bodied, elegant red wine
• Serving Temperature: Best served at 16°C-18°C

FAQ Wine Terms 🤔

• Malolactic Fermentation: A secondary fermentation process where tart malic acid is converted into softer lactic acid. This process helps round out the wine, giving it a creamier texture and softening its acidity.
• Barriques: A small barrel (225L) used for maturing wine. French oak barriques add complexity and texture to the wine, imparting subtle flavours like spice, vanilla, and a smooth mouthfeel.
• Pumping Over: A technique used during fermentation where the juice is pumped over the grape skins to extract colour, flavour, and tannins. This process helps improve the wine’s structure and depth.
• Tannins: Natural compounds found in grape skins, seeds, and stems that contribute to the wine’s structure and mouthfeel. Tannins can create a drying sensation in the mouth and help preserve the wine as it ages.

• Terroir: The unique combination of soil, climate, and geography of a vineyard that influences the character of the wine. Forest Hill’s gravelly loams over clay contribute to the depth, intensity, and purity of the fruit.