Mr. Riggs The Gaffer Shiraz 2022

The ever-popular Gaffer is a medium weight Shiraz, in a soft, fruit driven style.

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Tasting Notes

Mr Riggs The Gaffer Shiraz 2022

"Straight off the bat this is as good an example of this wine as I have seen. It’s from an excellent McLaren Vale vintage which is reflected in a vibrant expressive, rich and lavishly textured Shiraz. Perfumed plummy cherry notes on the nose lead into a palate that is smooth and seamlessly woven with its mix of 90% French oak and the remainder American. A balancing chalky mouthfeel really sets this off." 93 Points, Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot

"Winemaker Ben Riggs has for the past 18 years donated proceeds from The Gaffer to a broad range of cancer research. Apart from the good cause it contributes to, the wine itself has a worthy place as a full regional snapshot, sourced from five vineyards across different sub-districts of the Vale, all vinified separately with an average of 90% French and 10% American oak employed before the blending of parts. All eyes here on showcasing rich black fruits wrapped in some enticing Aussie terroir and winemaking influence in the form of lovely dark choc-mint background notes. Definitely focused on flavour, yet with impressive structural integrity evenly set to still allow a softly-softly finish through the palate. A handsome wine in anyone’s language." 93 Points, Tony Love, Wine Pilot

"This is a pretty handy wine, brimful of sweet, jammy, licorice-infused fruit flavour and lightly adorned with peppercorn and toast notes. Fruit is the hero rather than oak but there’s are just enough hints of the latter to fill it out a bit. This is ready to rip now." 91 Points, Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front

"Red cranberries, autumn leaves and chewing tobacco. Cajun spice and saffron
threads. Mocha and cinnamon on the palate with some woodsy herbs. Lively acidity and quite intermingled tannins. A fruit-forward wine that is suited to an array of dishes and occasions. Drink now–2026" 90 Points, The Vintage Journal

Winemaker Ben (Mr.) Riggs follows the philosophy “iconic wines from iconic regions”. Whether it’s McLaren Vale Shiraz, Coonawarra Cabernet, or Clare Valley Riesling, his wines are expressing the essence of the vineyard and variety in a style that is big, rich and complex, but also with finesse, texture and elegance. In Ben’s own words: “Think Ella Fitzgerald – bombastic and powerful with a huge vocal range, yet with purity of tone and a gentle sensibility when needed.”

Producer website: https://mrriggs.com.au/

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