Mr. Riggs The Gaffer Shiraz 2018
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James
Suckling
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Grapes for the 2018 The Gaffer Shiraz have been sourced from five key vineyards in McLaren Vale; Martins, Gateway, John Rivers, Tim Hunts and Ben Riggs’ Piebald Gully Vineyard. The Gaffer Shiraz is a testament to the best of McLaren Vale. A medium weight Shiraz, the style of The Gaffer is soft, flavoursome, and fruit driven.
Since 2006 The Gaffer Shiraz has unapologetically worn its pink cap in acknowledgement of their partnership with the Flinders Foundation and their fight against cancer. Mr. Riggs Wine Co. has proudly donated $155,000 towards cancer research through proceeds of the sales of The Gaffer.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
This is a riot of bright, ripe red berries, served up in a drinkable, plush and juicy style.
Other Vintages
2010-
Robert
Parker
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Wine
Spectator
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Robert
Parker
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Wine
Enthusiast -
Wine
Spectator
Mr. Riggs Wine Co. was founded in 2001 as a collaboration between Ben Riggs (with decades of vintages at McLaren Vale’s Wirra Wirra under his belt) and his mentor Tony Parkinson.
Mr. Riggs winemaking philosophy is to make unpretentious wines that express the essence of the vineyard and the region’s terroir in a style that Ben enjoys drinking; big, rich and complex, but also with finesse, texture and elegance, the latter not necessarily being traits Ben possesses.
Mr. Riggs wines are stamped with Ben’s considerable European experience, as well as his unique vision for wines produced on his hallowed South Australian stomping ground.
Marked by an unmistakable deep purple hue and savory aromatics, Syrah makes an intense, powerful and often age-worthy red. Native to the Northern Rhône, Syrah achieves its maximum potential in the steep village of Hermitage and plays an important component in the Red Rhône Blends of the south, adding color and structure to Grenache and Mourvèdre. Syrah is the most widely planted grape of Australia and is important in California and Washington. Sommelier Secret—Such a synergy these three create together, the Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre trio often takes on the shorthand term, “GSM.”
Known for opulent red wines with intense power and concentration, McLaren Vale is home to perhaps the most “classic” style of Australian Shiraz. Vinified on its own or in Rhône Blends, these hot-climate wines are deeply colored and high in extract with signature hints of dark chocolate and licorice. Cabernet Sauvignon is also produced in a similar style.
Whites, often made from Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc tend to be opulent and full of tropical, stone and citrus fruit.