The 2026 Forest Hill Vineyard Block 2 Riesling is a distinctive single-vineyard Riesling from Mount Barker in Western Australia’s Great Southern, combining concentrated citrus fruit with texture and mineral precision. Established in 1965, Forest Hill holds an important place in the development of Western Australian cool-climate wine. Block 2 was planted in 1975, and its mature, dry-grown vines grow in gravel and loam over clay. Now more than fifty years old, these vines provide the foundation for a wine with considerable intensity and a clear expression of its site, balancing generous fruit with a finely defined structure.
Expect lemon, lime and citrus blossom, complemented by subtle spice and chalky mineral notes. The palate combines textural depth with precise acidity, carrying the fruit through a long, focused finish. Ray Jordan awarded the 2026 vintage 95 Points on his website, highlighting its powerful citrus aromas, distinctive mineral character and extended length. His assessment captures what makes Block 2 particularly interesting: its combination of fruit intensity, tactile complexity and freshness. This is a youthful Riesling with enough substance to accompany food, while retaining the energy and definition that make Great Southern such a compelling region for the variety.
Ben’s Recommendation:
What makes this bottle particularly appealing is its old-vine character and balance between texture and freshness. For someone who enjoys Australian Riesling with concentrated flavour and a strong sense of place, Block 2 deserves attention. I would drink it now through approximately 2036, assuming good storage, enjoying its citrus brightness young or allowing time for more complex notes of lime marmalade, toast and honey to develop. Give it some time in a generous white-wine glass so its texture and floral detail can unfold. It would be excellent with grilled prawns, scallops, roast pork, lemon-and-herb chicken or gently spiced Asian dishes. This is a particularly attractive choice for exploring mature-vine Great Southern Riesling with both immediate appeal and cellaring potential.
