Wild Duck Creek Wines

"Today, the area under vine totals some 15 ha that are dedicated to Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon and have helped them achieve cult status"

David and Diana Anderson first planted vines in their family-run Heathcote estate Wild Duck Creek Estate in 1974. Today, the area under vine totals some 15 ha that are dedicated to Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon and has helped them achieve cult status in the eyes of many. Their first commercial release was in 1991 and things have only got better with the couple now joined by their son, Liam who is going full steam ahead with biodynamic practices in the vineyard.

In the winery, traditional winemaking techniques are the status quo, with winemakers David and Liam choosing to use open top fermenters, basket presses and the finest French barrels and American hogsheads for extended ageing. Produced only in exceptional years, the Reserve Shiraz uses fruit predominantly from the Original Vineyard that has been barrel aged and then selected for the final blend after extensive tasting. A blockbuster with high alcohol, its richness is seamlessly balanced by moderating acidity and ripe tannins, which prevent it from becoming syrupy. The Springflat Shiraz comes from a small 1ha site planted in 1988 that yields just over 20,000 bottles annually. After maturing in French and American oak barrels for a year or more, the wine is bottled unfiltered for maximum flavour expression that results in a deeply coloured, sweet-fruited red with an intense concentration and a long finish. Renowned American wine critic, Robert Parker regularly awards Wild Duck Creek wines wines 90 points or more.