Forest Hill work hard at extracting the best possible Shiraz out of Block 9. Better soil maintenance with no herbicides and more composted material, while leaf plucking is applied earlier in the season and more diligently. The maturity of the vines, management of the property and evolution in the quality of fruit all impact on the excellence of the finished wine. Its long and fine, chewy structure is dominated by bold varietal fruit characters, while the background gamey nuances intensify the palate, along with subtle earthiness and sweet spice undertones.

The raw Shiraz grapes at vintage feature ripe, fleshy, berry flavours with firm, fine, elegant tannin. Vine health is fastidiously maintained and canopy densities are always optimal as a result of shoot thinning to ensure balanced growth. Grapes are cold soaked in eight-tonne fermenters to extract and retain desirable varietal flavours and aromas. The juices are vinified at around 45C to prevent over extraction of tannins locked in the skins. Macerations are not extended for the same reason. The wine is transferred to barrel for malolactic, softening the palate and completing the integration. Matured eighteen months in a combination of new and seasoned Francois Freres and Sirugue French oak bariques.