Forest Hill Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 (6 bottles)

From blocks 5, 6 and 7 planted ’75 (the oldest plantings of cabernet in the Great Southern), some block 10 higher density . Matured for 15 months in French barriques. Has the erect pride and self confidence of Mount Barker cabernet sauvignon. It sweeps away the oak, leaving a long spicy/savoury finish. 96 Points, James Halliday

• Winemaker's Notes
• Reviews/Accolades

• The 2017 growing season in Mount Barker was long and cool, beginning very wet and late. More than 800mm rainfall fell over 2016, well above the yearly average. This initial wet period was broken by a dry period in early Summer, however with moderate temperatures. Good fruit set for most varieties although veraison was late. The long cool season lead to ripe seeds and skins, whilst maintaining freshness in the fruit.
  
  The fruit was picked over several small picks then de-stemmed/crushed, chilled into mostly open fermenters. Initial cold soak and then inoculated. The fermenters were pumped over with aeration twice a day; temperature was held around 25°C. The wine was then pressed to French barriques for its Malo-lactic fermentation, allowing a soft integration of the grape and oak tannins. The wine was blended, fined with egg whites and bottled after 15 months maturation.
  
  Dark crimson with purple hues. Aromas of blackberries, florals, dark chocolate and bay leaf. The palate is plush and medium bodied with blackcurrant, savoury and spicy flavors. Fine and long tannin structure.
  
  Region: Greath Southern, WA
  Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
  Alcohol: 14%
  
  
• From blocks 5, 6 and 7 planted ’75 (the oldest plantings of cabernet in the Great Southern), some block 10 higher density . Matured for 15 months in French barriques. Has the erect pride and self confidence of Mount Barker cabernet sauvignon. It sweeps away the oak, leaving a long spicy/savoury finish. 96 Points, James Halliday