| Producer | Wild Duck Creek |
| Country | Australia |
| Region | Victoria |
| Subregion | Heathcote |
| Varietal | Shiraz, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Sku | U1009595 |
| Size | 750ml |
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The 2021 Yellow Hammer Hill is a blend of Shiraz (82%), Malbec (12%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (6%). It used to be labeled as just Shiraz Malbec, but as soon as the percentage exceeded 5%, winemaker Liam Anderson felt that the Cabernet Sauvignon inclusion was evident, and opted for transparency on the label. The wine has been made in the same way since 2001. The Shiraz is picked at about 15° Baumé, the Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon are slightly less (13.5° to 14° Baumé). It has an open ferment, with 14 days on skins, then it was basket pressed and matured in a combination of large concrete vats (mostly the Shiraz, 5,000-liter vessels, approximately 30% of the blend), large French oak (the rest of the Shiraz goes in here, 2,500 to 5,000 liters, approximately 30% of the blend), seasoned hogsheads and barriques (Cabernet and Malbec go in here, approximately 40% of the blend).
The 2021 season in Heathcote was cool and long, and the grapes were picked when the fruit was ready, without fear or risk of impending viticultural challenges due to weather. The wine is supple and fresh, with layers of mulberry, raspberry, licorice, star anise and dark chocolate. Through the finish, there is a copper/iodine/blood character (thanks perhaps to the Cambrian soil in the north) that weaves through the tannins. Overall, this is a balanced wine that speaks equally of savory tannin and fresh fruit. A pleasure! 14.7% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. Drink 2023-2038. —E.L.
