"St Michael's Vineyard was established in 1994 by Mick Cann on the east face of the Mt Camel range about 25 kms north of the Heathcote township.The soil is the famed deep red Cambrian clay loam considered to be ideal for the growing of premium grapes.Varieties grown are Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot for red wine and a small patch of Semillon (supplied in error) for white wine.Most of the crop is sold, but select parcels of fruit are processed on site using traditional methods of open fermentation, hand plunging of skins and basket pressing backed up by effective cooling. Premium French oak (and a little Russian for the Shiraz) is used to add complexity to the rich fruit. Oak maturation is generally for 24 months.Wines are produced in small quantities and include both straight varietals and blends that may change from year to year. A sparkling Shiraz is also produced in suitable years. While a full time cellar door cannot be maintained, if you take the trouble to call Mick Cann will make every effort to meet you and show you his wines."www.heathcotewinegrowers.com.au
