Forest Hill Estate Chardonnay 2018

Covid messed up the ratings process for this wine and ir was not rated. The 2017, 2019 and 2020 were all rated 92-96 by James Halliday and this is consistent.

Forest Hill Vineyard has a unique place in the history of Western Australia’s wine industry, being the first cool climate vineyard planted in the state. A two hectare vineyard was planted in 1965. More than 50 years on Forest Hill is family owned and run. Bright straw in colour with aromas of pears, nougat and flint. The palate has flavours of fresh citrus and figs with zesty finish. The lees stirring has built texture and weight across the palate.

Mostly hand-picked, chilled further before some parcels are hand sorted, whole-bunch pressed (Block 8 and Bernard clones) and others crushed before pressing into French oak barriques, hogsheads and puncheons (20% new & retaining high juice solids). Fermentation takes place at cool temperatures with 100% natural yeast. Light Batonage post primary fermentation with partial (minor) malo-lactic fermentation. After 9 months barrel maturation to achieve balance, the wine is bottled.