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forest hill wine bottle, Block 2 Riesling from Western Australia.
Forest Hill

Block 2 Riesling 2023

4 left in stock!

$39.00

forest hill wine bottle, Block 2 Riesling from Western Australia.

4 left in stock!

$39.00

Forest Hill

Block 2 Riesling 2023

logo of ray jordan 94 point score in wine

Forest Hill Block 2 Riesling

Forest Hill Riesling has become a benchmark for exceptional quality, with the vineyard’s Block 2, planted in 1975, consistently producing fruit of remarkable character.

Why You Will Love It:

  • Vibrant Aromatics: Expect a burst of citrus zest, grapefruit, and subtle yellow fruit aromas, with a hint of minerality that adds complexity.
  • Racy & Textured: Extended lees contact gives the wine a wonderful texture, with a crisp, clean finish and a mouthwatering acidity that makes it come alive.
  • Concentration & Precision: This Riesling delivers outstanding intensity, with crystalline clarity and a fine-boned character that speaks to its age-worthiness and youthful energy.
  • Exceptional Quality: Block 2’s 1975 plantings continue to produce some of the most sought-after fruit, making this wine a standout example of its kind.
  • Versatile Pairing Potential: Its refreshing acidity makes it perfect for pairing with a range of dishes, from fresh seafood to Asian-inspired cuisine and lighter fare like goat cheese or light salads.

picture of forest hill wines, denmark wine region,western australia. wineries down south

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Block 2 Tasting Notes:

The 2023 Block 2 Riesling opens with a brilliant nose of citrus zest, grapefruit, and a touch of yellow fruit, all underpinned by a distinct mineral backbone reminiscent of wet stones. On the palate, it delivers a racy and textured experience, balanced by vibrant lime and apple blossom notes that give way to an invigorating, finely-tuned acidity. The extended lees contact adds depth and intensity, resulting in a wine that’s both youthful and poised, with a crystalline texture and a piercing character that suggests great ageing potential.

Perfect Pairings:

The 2023 Block 2 Riesling is a versatile food companion. Its fresh acidity and fruit-forward profile make it an ideal match for fresh seafood like grilled prawns or oysters on the half shell. It also pairs beautifully with spicy Thai or Japanese dishes, where the wine’s fruitiness balances the bold and zesty flavours. For something a little different, try it with a light salad, creamy goat cheese, or even a dish like glazed duck or pork, where its acidity enhances the richness of the flavours.

Additional Information:

  • Grape Variety: 100% Riesling
  • Region: Mount Barker, Great Southern, Western Australia
  • Cellaring Potential: 10-15 years
  • Closure: Screwcap (to preserve freshness)
  • Style: Crisp, minerally white wine
  • Serving Temperature: Best served chilled between 8°C and 10°C

Awards:

  • Gold Medal – Melbourne Wine Show 2024
  • Ray Jordan – 94 pts
    A more fragrant and lively wine that was planted in 1975. First made in 2018 as a result of pushing riesling further with more texture based on the Germanic style. Has a nice line and minerality. It gets about 15 to 20% fermentation in an oak foudre. The aim is to get a little productive funk into it. Very attractive wine quite different to Block 1.

Technical Terms Explained:

  • Lees Contact: The process of allowing the wine to sit in contact with the dead yeast cells after fermentation. This adds texture, complexity, and depth to the wine, contributing to the creamy mouthfeel and enhanced flavour profile.
  • Minerality: A term used to describe the earthy, stone-like qualities found in certain wines, particularly those from regions with high-quality soils. The mineral backbone of this Riesling gives it a distinct, refreshing edge.
  • Acidity: Acidity is one of the key elements that give Riesling its signature freshness. The crisp, mouthwatering acidity in this wine helps balance its fruitiness and enhances its food-pairing potential.

  • Terroir: Refers to the unique combination of soil, climate, and environment that influences the characteristics of the wine. The distinct terroir of Block 2, with its gravelly loam soils and the cooler Mount Barker climate, helps produce Riesling of exceptional purity and complexity.

Learn More About Forest Hill

Forest Hill Winery: A Pioneer of Cool Climate Wines in Western Australia

Forest Hill Winery holds a significant place in the history of Western Australia’s wine industry, recognized as the first cool climate vineyard established in the region. Its story begins in the 1960s when Tony and Betty Pearce, after extensive research throughout the South-West, identified a site with immense potential for grape cultivation. In 1965, they planted a modest two-hectare vineyard on their property, laying the foundation for what would become a prominent name in Australian winemaking.

Fifty years later, Forest Hill Winery remains family-owned and operated, reflecting a deep-rooted commitment to quality and tradition. The winery crafts its wines in Denmark, a charming coastal town not far from the vineyard, with grapes sourced exclusively from the historic Forest Hill Vineyard in Mount Barker. This commitment to the original site not only honors the winery’s heritage but also allows for the expression of unique terroir in every bottle.

The Unique Terroir of Great Southern

Located in the Great Southern wine region, Forest Hill Winery benefits from the cool climate that defines this area. The region, characterized by its rugged landscapes and pristine environment, experiences a maritime influence that contributes to its cooler temperatures compared to other parts of Western Australia. This climate is vital for producing high-quality wines, as it allows for a longer ripening period, leading to enhanced flavor development in the grapes.

The soils at Forest Hill are primarily lateritic gravelly and sandy loams, as well as sandy loams derived from granite bedrock. These soil types are well-draining and rich in minerals, providing the ideal foundation for vines to thrive. The combination of cool climate and diverse soil types results in distinctive fine wines that capture the essence of the land and its environment.

forest hill winery,denmark, western australia. Forest hill wines delivered

Varietals and Winemaking Philosophy

Forest Hill Winery is renowned for its range of varietals that showcase the benefits of cool climate viticulture. Among the standout varieties are Riesling, Chardonnay, Shiraz & Cabernet, each reflecting the unique characteristics of the site. Riesling, in particular, has garnered acclaim for its aromatic complexity and crisp acidity, embodying the purity of fruit that cool climates can produce. The Chardonnays are often noted for their elegance and balance.

The winery’s winemaking philosophy is deeply rooted in respect for the land and the seasons. Each wine is a reflection of the site, the season, and the dedicated people who nurture the vines. This hands-on approach allows the team to maintain the integrity of the grapes, ensuring that the wines express the true character of the vineyard.

Sustainability and Future Directions

As Forest Hill Winery looks to the future, sustainability remains a core principle. The winery is committed to environmentally responsible practices, from vineyard management to winemaking techniques. This focus not only enhances the quality of the wines but also contributes to the long-term health of the vineyard and surrounding ecosystem.

forest hill vineyard,denmark, western australia.

Forest Hill Winery sits in the Great Southern wine region, situated within the ancient, rugged, and pristine environment bordering the south coast of Western Australia, is the coolest in Western Australia. Soils are mostly lateritic gravelly and sandy loams, or sandy loams derived from granite bedrock. Stretching north, east, and west from Western Australia’s south coast, the largest wine-growing region in mainland Australia. These are distinctive fine wines that benefit from cool climate viticulture in a clean, green environment.

The accolades for the Forest Hill wine range are extensive, with the likes of Wine Companion and Ray Jordan giving outstanding scores.

picture of forest hill wines, denmark wine region,western australia. wineries down south

If you are planning on visiting the Denmark region, make sure you visit the official wine association page HERE

If we don’t stock your favourite wine we can order it in, email us at info@partnersinwine.com.au

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