Rusty Mutt

Scott Heidrich lived in the shadow of Geoff Merrill for 20 years, but has partially emerged into the sunlight with his virtual micro-winery. Back in ’06, close friends and family persuaded Scott to take advantage of the wonderful quality of the grapes that year and make a small batch of shiraz. The wines are made at a friend’s micro-winery in McLaren Flat. The name Rusty Mutt comes from Scott’s interest in Chinese astrology and feng shui; Scott was born in the year of the dog with the dominant element being metal, hence Rusty Mutt. -JAMES HALLIDAY