Winemaker Notes
Forest Hill Vineyard is not only the oldest cool climate Vineyard in Western Australia, but also planted on one of the Mt Barker regions first farms. Settled in the 1840’s, Highbury Fields is a site of historical agricultural significance in the Great Southern, which over the past century has been farmed for apples, dairy, grains, lamb and wool.Purchased over 15 years ago, the Highbury Fields property is today producing exceptional fruit with the dry-grown vineyards occupying the best soils on this historic property.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This is a cool-climate Cabernet from the far south of Western Australia. The nose is open and expressive, an enticing mix of licorice, currants, baking spices, dried mint and chocolate with mineral undertones and, as it warms in glass, a toffee oak note. Solidly medium bodied, the mouthfeel is silky with a classic combo of power and restraint. Taut, chalky tannins girdle pristine fruit and spice. Drink now–2035 and likely beyond.
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Wine Spectator
Smooth, velvety tannins set the stage for dark fruit flavors. Licorice and tobacco notes become increasingly spicy on the finish. Drink now through 2029. 2,500 cases made, 600 cases imported.
While Australia is best known for big, supple and potent Shiraz, it is also a fine source of Cabernet Sauvignon. Cab in fact is Australia’s second most planted red varietal, and it is both bottled on its own and often used in blends. It’s grown in Western Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia. The latter is the home of Block 42 of the Penfolds Kalimna Vineyard, whose vines -- planted in 1886 -- are believed to be the oldest productive Cabernet vines in the world. Two of the most highly regarded sources of Australian Cabernet Sauvignon, though, are Coonawarra on South Australia’s Limestone Coast, and Margaret River in Western Australia, near Perth.
Coonawarra, famous for its rich red soil called terra rossa, has held Cabernet vines since the 1890’s. Though it can get quite warm during the growing season, it’s not far from the cool waters of the Southern Ocean, which tempers the climate and promotes balance in the grapes and resulting wines. These Cabs tend to be complex indeed, showing trademark dark fruit and firm tannins, along with notes of cigar box, cedar and – very often – mint and/or eucalyptus. Some producers to look for are Jim Barry, Yalumba, Berton Vineyards and Penley Estate.
Margaret River, on the other hand, stepped into wine production only in the 1960’s. It is situated on the lower western tip of the country, where the Southern and Indian Oceans meet. This coastal location creates an even more temperate, maritime-influenced climate that resembles that of Bordeaux. In good years these Australian Cabs show amazing balance between ripeness, tannins and acidity, along with lovely texture. Producers of note include Leeuwin Estate, Vasse Felix and Howard Park.