Wild Duck Creek Estate, founded by David and Diana Anderson in 1979, has become one of Heathcote’s most acclaimed boutique wineries. Known for intensely concentrated, small-batch Shiraz, the estate is celebrated for its uncompromising craftsmanship, minimal intervention approach, and distinctive power-meets-purity style. Black Duck is one of the estate’s rarest and most intensely structured Shiraz releases — made only in outstanding vintages and from exceptional parcels that capture the essence of Heathcote terroir.
Vineyard
Sourced from select old-vine blocks across the estate’s Heathcote holdings, the Black Duck fruit is grown on the region’s iconic red Cambrian soils — ancient iron-rich clay loams that naturally produce Shiraz of formidable depth and concentration. Low yields, dry-grown farming, and meticulous bunch selection ensure berries with thick skins, velvety tannins, and profound flavour intensity. Wild Duck Creek’s hands-on viticultural philosophy means every vine is monitored individually for perfect ripeness.
Vintage
2019 was a warm, low-yielding vintage across central Victoria. Heathcote’s old-vine sites performed exceptionally well, with small, flavour-packed berries delivering wines of richness, darkness, and impressive tannin structure. Despite the warmth, cool nights preserved acidity and aromatics, resulting in Black Duck showing not only power, but surprising lift and definition. Many consider 2019 one of the strongest recent vintages for Wild Duck Creek’s premium Shiraz releases.
Winemaking
The wine is crafted with minimal intervention: open-fermenter maceration, gentle hand-plunging, and fermentation with select yeasts. Maturation takes place in a mix of new and seasoned French and American oak barrels, adding layers of spice, chocolate, and cedar to the dense fruit core. Only the most exceptional barrels are selected for the Black Duck bottling, making it one of the estate’s most limited and collectible offerings.
Tasting Notes
The 2019 Black Duck Shiraz reveals a deep, opaque purple-black colour. Aromas burst with blackberry liqueur, dark plum, blueberry compote, licorice, dark chocolate, vanilla bean, and polished cedar, alongside hints of smoked spice and warm earth. The palate is full-bodied, concentrated, and richly textured — laden with dense black fruit, silky yet powerful tannins, and a velvety mouthfeel. Notes of mocha, black pepper, cinnamon, and graphite unfold through a long, warm, deeply satisfying finish. A commanding Heathcote Shiraz built for long-term cellaring.
Critics’ Acclaim
- Widely admired for its intensity, richness, and bold signature
- A favourite among collectors of cult Victorian Shiraz
- 2019 praised for power, concentration, and impressive balance
Technical Information
- Region: Heathcote, Victoria
- Producer: Wild Duck Creek Estate
- Variety: Shiraz
- Alcohol: ~15–16%
- Oak: French & American oak (significant premium component)
- Style: Full-bodied, rich, powerful
- Drinking Window: 2024–2042+
A Collectible Gem
The 2019 Wild Duck Creek Black Duck Shiraz is a bold, opulent, and highly expressive release — combining the intensity of Heathcote terroir with Wild Duck Creek’s hallmark depth and richness. Produced in tiny quantities, it is a must-have for lovers of powerful Australian Shiraz and a valuable addition to any serious collection.
