2025 Forest Hill Vineyard Block 2 Riesling

Terrifically concentrated and texturally voluminous yet tense and dry with an exceptionally long zesty finish.

From a single vineyard planted in 1975. Brilliant pale straw colour with greenish tinged edges and a watery hue. Aromas of lime, citrus and orange rind flood the nostrils followed by some chalky talc, green apple and slatey mineral notes. The mouth watering palate is bristling with lime, citrus and orange rind fruits which are both terrifically concentrated and texturally voluminous. Chalky talc, wet steel and flinty mineral elements express themselves across the back half. Tense and dry it has a spine of crisp, laser edged acidity which leans into the long zesty finish that shows exceptional drive.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 12.5%

Other Reviews...
The 2025 Block 2 Riesling is softer and plusher than the Block 1 Riesling tasted next to it, and this shows in lime flesh, brine, green apple and crushed rocks. The Rieslings of the Great Southern carry the mineral drive of those from Eden Valley and, in some cases, the flesh of Clare, which we see here. This region in the southwest of Western Australia is quite unique in Australia in that it is incredibly remote, almost harsh in its landscape, vast and diverse, given its size. The soils around the Mt. Barker area are largely composed of ironstone gravel soils and lateritic gravelly sandy loams derived from granite and gneissic bedrocks. These soils are particularly well-suited to Shiraz and Riesling, which we can see here. This is a magnificent wine, and while I often prefer the Block 1 over the Block 2, it is not so this year. Is there a touch of residual here? If so, I like it. The vineyard block was planted in 1975. 12.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. Drink 2026-2046.
97 points
Erin Larkin - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

A bright and juicy version of the variety, vibrant and cooling, citrusy in a pretty way. Some rosy lift and a general sense of lemongrass and ginger brightness in the mix. So even, flowing, deeply flavoursome. A pleasing and generous style of riesling, unashamed of its origins and feeling pure and natural as it goes. Delicious. Serious. Complex. Drink by 2035.
95 points
Mike Bennie - James Halliday's Australian Wine Companion