Over the years, Heathcote producer Wild Duck Creek has built up a cult following for its rather idiosyncratic wines. The estate’s wines are picked very ripe, and often ferment through to over 16% alcohol buy volume. Yet, unlike some of their peers, the wines of Wild Duck Creek manage to retain a sense of balance. Indeed, some of its wines even come over as being rather elegant (of their type).
As has been well documented, 2011 was a cool wet vintage across much of southern Australia. In this imbiber’s view, it has produced some very attractive wines in warmer regions such as Heathcote, checking the tendency toward excess. Volumes were significantly reduced at Wild Duck Creek in 2011, and neither ‘Duck Muck’ or the Reserve Shiraz were bottled.
The 2011 Yellow Hammer Hill, a blend of Shiraz and Malbec weighs in 15% alcohol. However, the wine is not a boisterous heavyweight. Yes, the nose screams warm climate Shiraz, the Malbec lending black fruits. On the palate, the wine is medium bodied, an attractive blend of sweet and sour, the alcohol extremely well balanced and barely discernible. Those who like their wines with plenty of up-front fruit should find plenty to enjoy.
2011 YELLOW HAMMER HILL
Producer: Wild Duck Creek
Variety: Syrah/Shiraz blend (blended with 25% Malbec)
Vintage: 2011
Region: Heathcote
ABV: 15%
Closure: Screw cap
Retail Price: $30.00
Date tasted: 20 October 2013
Tasting Note:
Deep crimson. Brooding nose of liqueur cherries, blackberry, liquorice, tar. At the fuller end of medium bodied, soft and approachable, nice balance of sweet and sour, melange of red and black fruits, tar on the finish. Alcohol is, by and large, held in check.
Score: 16/20
As has been well documented, 2011 was a cool wet vintage across much of southern Australia. In this imbiber’s view, it has produced some very attractive wines in warmer regions such as Heathcote, checking the tendency toward excess. Volumes were significantly reduced at Wild Duck Creek in 2011, and neither ‘Duck Muck’ or the Reserve Shiraz were bottled.
The 2011 Yellow Hammer Hill, a blend of Shiraz and Malbec weighs in 15% alcohol. However, the wine is not a boisterous heavyweight. Yes, the nose screams warm climate Shiraz, the Malbec lending black fruits. On the palate, the wine is medium bodied, an attractive blend of sweet and sour, the alcohol extremely well balanced and barely discernible. Those who like their wines with plenty of up-front fruit should find plenty to enjoy.
2011 YELLOW HAMMER HILL
Producer: Wild Duck Creek
Variety: Syrah/Shiraz blend (blended with 25% Malbec)
Vintage: 2011
Region: Heathcote
ABV: 15%
Closure: Screw cap
Retail Price: $30.00
Date tasted: 20 October 2013
Tasting Note:
Deep crimson. Brooding nose of liqueur cherries, blackberry, liquorice, tar. At the fuller end of medium bodied, soft and approachable, nice balance of sweet and sour, melange of red and black fruits, tar on the finish. Alcohol is, by and large, held in check.
Score: 16/20
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