Wild Duck Creek Red Duck GSM 2024 arrives with what Sommelier Luke Campbell calls “electric guitar energy” — a medium-bodied Heathcote GSM of succulent fruit, natural acidity, and soft supple tannins that drive the wine to a long, satisfying finish. A blend of 56% Grenache, 37% Shiraz, and 7% Mataro, harvested and vinified separately before 16 months’ maturation in seasoned French and American oak. Dark red with a bright red hue, with aromas of violets, blackberry, raspberry, baking spices, and anise; raspberry, blueberry, and plum on the palate alongside cured meat and spice, with refreshing natural acidity lightening and enlivening every sip. Winemaker Liam Anderson and Luke Campbell note that 2024 follows the cool, wet 2023 vintage — a pattern that in Heathcote consistently produces wines of elevated natural acidity, denser tannin profiles, and extraordinary longevity. 93 Points, James Halliday’s Wine Companion. Drink now to 2034.
Tasting Notes
Appearance
Dark red with a bright red hue — the vibrant, inviting colour of a Heathcote GSM from a vintage with all the hallmarks of greatness, with the depth and clarity that below-average yields and abundant sunshine deliver.
Aroma
Expressive and aromatic — violets, blackberry, and raspberry, with baking spices and anise adding complexity and lift. A deep sense of ripe red and black fruits with blood plums and black cherries in the lead, framed in beautiful, lively spices, anise, chocolate, earth, and briar.
Palate
Medium-bodied and succulent — built around a mellow, open-knit structure giving full voice to plummy, spiced flavour. Raspberry, blueberry, and plum alongside cured meat and spice, with natural acidity lightening and refreshing the palate. The “electric guitar energy” of the 2024 Red Duck in full expression.
Pairs With
A natural companion for roast lamb, grilled duck, charcuterie, aged hard cheeses, and the finest Heathcote table — Wild Duck Creek Red Duck GSM is equally rewarding now and will develop extraordinary complexity with cellaring. Drink now to 2034. 14.4% ABV.
Finish
Supple, earthy tannins to close — long and driven, with refreshing natural acidity carrying the raspberry, plum, and spice to a clean, energetic, and deeply satisfying finish. Great value. Great vintage.
Reviews
Jeni Port, James Halliday’s Wine Companion — 93 Points | October 2025
“Well priced and well assembled, with a full expression of Heathcote generosity on show. A deep sense of ripe red and black fruits with blood plums and black cherries in the lead, framed in beautiful, lively spices, anise, chocolate, earth and briar. The palate is built around a mellow, open-knit structure, giving full voice to the plummy, spiced flavour. Supple, earthy tannins to close. Great value.”
