Forest Hill Vineyard holds a special place in Western Australia’s wine history as the state’s first cool-climate vineyard, established in 1965 on the Pearce family’s Mount Barker property. Today the estate remains family-owned and operated, with wines crafted in Denmark (WA) from grapes grown on the original dry-grown, old-vine vineyard.

The family behind Forest Hill has deep agricultural roots in the Great Southern, farming in the region since the early 1990s and acquiring the Forest Hill property in 1996. Their philosophy centres on respecting the land, maintaining dry-farming traditions, restoring creek lines, and replanting native vegetation. Forest Hill wines are known for expressing site, season, and careful stewardship, capturing the purity and character of Mount Barker’s cool-climate terroir.

the Fruits come from Forest Hill Vineyard, Mount Barker in the Great Southern, Block 5, 6 and 7, all Planted 1975. Component of younger vine Block 11, planted at higher density and estate grown Malbec. The fruit was picked over several small picks, some by hand and some by our selective harvester. Then de-stemmed, chilled into mostly open fermenters, retaining a high percentage of whole berry initially. Cold soak and then inoculated. The fermenters were pumped over with aeration or plunged by hand; temperature allowed to rise with peak around 25-26 degrees. The wine was then pressed to French barrels (20% new) and a 3000L Foudre. The wine was blended and bottled after 12 months maturation.

Tasting Notes

"There is 3% malbec in this wine. A variety of blocks are utilised for the cabernet component. Sleek and elegant, really understated and refined. A sheath of lightweight but puckering, al dente tannin keeping in dark cherry, cassis, alpine herb notes, clove, white pepper and tobacco. The wine does two speeds of fruit friendly and fresh while being earthy, herbal and savoury at the same time. Excellent length, tightly wound and just so darn superb overall. How is this this price?! Ludicrous." 95 Points - Halliday Wine Companion, Mike Bennie (2025).