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 2006, close friends and family (Nicole and Alan Francis, Stuart Evans, David Lipman and Phil Cole) 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. What the ownership group doesn’t drink is sold through fine wine retailers and selected restaurants, with a small amount exported to the UK. -JAMES HALLIDAY