In keeping with the behemoth style of this unique wine, the 2007 Duck Muck Shiraz is a beast. This style was first forged by accident when David happened one year to use some Cabernet pressings to top up a barrel of Shiraz. Expecting to give the results away, he soon realized he was onto a winner. This vintage weighs in at a comparatively modest 16.5% alcohol (David assured me this was accurate). It has a very deep garnet-purple color and incredibly intense aromas of blueberry pie, mocha, layers of spices and, to a lesser extent, notes of prunes, mint, balsamic, and anise. The palate is very concentrated and crisp, with medium to firm, finely grained tannins that seem more Cabernet in texture than Shiraz. Very big and very beautiful?but you have to love this style to appreciate it. It's actually approachable now and should develop nicely over the next 5 to 7 years, keeping well into 2020+, though this style's drinking window can be somewhat unpredictable.Wild Duck Creek is a boutique winery producing just 4000 or so cases per annum. Self taught in the ways of wine (often the best school!), David Anderson started the winery in 1981. The fruit is sourced from estate vineyards planted in the early years of the winery, and they are also working with contract growers. David's son has recently converted all the estate vineyards and some of their contract vines over to biodynamic methods. The bulk of production is comprised of the Yellow Hammer Hill and Springflat labels, while the Cabernet based wines and Duck Muck Shiraz are produced in tiny quantities - under 500 cases each.Importer: Wild Duck Creek will soon be imported by Rathbone Wine Group, USA; www.fsfw.com.au