Awards, Ratings & Reviews
95/100 — Halliday Wine Companion · 2023 Vintage
"A blend of Shiraz, Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon that delivers the generosity and richness synonymous with Wild Duck Creek. Plush black fruits, dark chocolate, spice and earth are supported by fine tannins and impressive balance. A serious yet approachable Heathcote blend with excellent cellaring potential."
94/100 — James Suckling · 2023 Vintage
"Rich aromas of blackberry, mulberry, dark plum and violets with hints of licorice, cocoa and spice. Full-bodied with concentrated dark fruit, fine-grained tannins and a long, savoury finish. Powerful yet composed and beautifully balanced."
About This Wine
The 2023 Wild Duck Creek Estate Yellow Hammer Hill is a generous and expressive blend of Shiraz, Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon, showcasing the power and depth of Heathcote while maintaining balance and freshness. Produced from estate-grown fruit on the region's renowned Cambrian soils, the wine combines the richness of Shiraz with the savoury complexity of Malbec and the structure of Cabernet Sauvignon.
Matured for approximately 20 months in a combination of French and American oak, large oak foudres and concrete vats, the wine displays exceptional integration and texture. Aromas of ripe blackberry, dark plum, mulberry, violet and licorice are complemented by notes of dark chocolate, cedar, baking spice and earthy complexity.
The palate is full-bodied and concentrated, offering layers of cassis, blueberry, black cherry and mocha framed by fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity. Despite its richness, the wine remains composed and energetic, finishing long with savoury spice and mineral persistence.
Crafted in the unmistakable Wild Duck Creek style, Yellow Hammer Hill is approachable in its youth but possesses the structure to reward extended cellaring over the next decade or more.
Specifications
Vintage: 2023
Grape Variety: Shiraz / Malbec / Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Heathcote, Victoria, Australia
Sweetness: Dry
Maturation: Approximately 20 months in French & American oak, large foudres and concrete vats
Alcohol: 14.5% (approx.)
Closure: Screw Cap
Drinking Window: 2026–2038
