Forest Hill Cabernet

Forest Hill Block 5 Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 (Great Southern, WA)
13.5%, Screwcap, $65
Source: Sample
www.foresthillwines.com.au

The oldest cool climate vineyard in Western Australia (dating back to 1965), Forest Hill’s Mt Barker plot is one seriously fine piece of dirt. What always surprises me is how little attention this vineyard gets considering just how good the wines are. This particular Cabernet is from a vintage that produced uneven results (both under and overripeness) in Mt Barker, even though good wines were made from it. This however has a succulence that had me drinking it unconsciously (not until I was unconscious. Wine writers drink responsibly you see. Most of the time).

It’s darkly coloured but not necessarily darkly flavoured this, with a lovely minty and willowy – if slightly reticent – nose that is rather composed and spice driven. The palate is both rich and translucent, savoury and almost regal in its lightness, that minty nose not translating into minty palate (which is a win. Some richness through the middle but otherwise quite mid weight. Finely tannic palate looks more like St old school St Emilion than Great Southern.

Ultimately that lovely minty, raised acid freshness had me coming back this – it never feels forced or green, but again has a vibrancy through the finish too hook you in. All it needs is a bit more tannic drive and this would be a superstar. I liked it regardless.

Drink: Now – 2020+
Score: 18/93