Most of the grapes from Mick Cann's property are destined for neighbouring Wild Duck Creek, where they are vinified into some of Heathcote's most illustrious wines. Like all good vignerons, Mick retains what he believes is the very pick of the crop for his own personal use. Showcasing samples of his wine from oak barrel, he was overwhelmed by the interest, the decision was made to design a label and to bottle the inaugural St Michaels Vineyard. He has released an extremely limited, small batch Shiraz, with remarkable structure and stately palate.

$3499each $417DOZEN EACH DOZEN Planted in the 1990s, the Shiraz block within St Michaels Vineyard is a scant two and a half acres of superlative Terra rosa earth, sited under the east face of the Mt Camel Range. The fine red Cambrian clay loams overlay textured calcareous soils that can retain ground water, nourishing the vines when drought can be most vehement. Hand pruning and the most exacting standards of bunch thinning were applied to a select parcel of vines to encourage the growth of the most excellent Shiraz. Following hand picking, open fermentation on skins, hand plunging and basket pressing, St Michaels is treated to two years maturation in a combination of French and Russian oak hogsheads. Approx 16.0%

Crimson black to the rim of the glass. A nose of blackberries and dark chocolate over the top of some very good oak. Rich and ripe, BIG but balanced. Black and red cherry flavours, with a good acidity of tarry, tangy ribena fruit counterbalancing the warmth of the alcohol. Fans of lighter bodied shiraz will not like St Micheals, but lovers of the big rich style will.