St Michael's Vineyard

Owner/winemaker Mick Cann has established vines on the famous deep-red Cambrian clay loam on the east face of the Mt Camel Range. Planting began in 1994-95, with a further extension in 2000. Shiraz (3ha), merlot (1ha) and petit verdot (0.3ha) and cabernet sauvignon (0.2ha) are grown. Part of the grape production is sold to David Anderson of Wild Duck Creek Estate, the remainder made by Mick, using open fermentation, hand-plunging of skins and a basket press, a low-tech but highly effective way of making high quality red wine. The period poster-style labels do the wines scant justice. -JAMES HALLIDAY