TN: Forest Hill Estate Shiraz 2018

[Waiters Friend]

I've been buying Forest Hill wines on and off for most of the last 20 years. The original vineyard was the first planted in the Great Southern in 1965, although more fruit sources have been developed in the intervening years, with the fruit from the original vineyard going largely into their 'Block' series. This is the 'standard' model, which has fruit sources planted as far back as 1985.

Bright purple colour in the glass. Lots of fresh dark plums on the nose, alongside some cloves, spice and dark chocolate. There's also some toasty oak. The palate is medium- to full-bodied, with a slightly slippery mouthfeel (14.0% alcohol), and firm grippy tannins. The fruit and chocolate sit nicely on the tongue, and are kept lively by a reasonable amount of acid. There's also a degree of savouriness on the palate. At first, I thought it might be a bit confectioned, but with a half hour in the decanter it has settled down nicely. Medium to long finish.

I know I am drinking this way too young - give it another 2-3 before opening one. History tells me this will go 10 years or more.

Cheers
Allan