A McLaren Vale wine, from the excellent 2018 vintage – rebranded this year as a tribute to winemaker Ben Riggs father. An inky, vivid ruby black colour, with lush aromatics on the nose – boysenberry, plum, graphite, liquorice, elderberry, vanilla and smoky cigar box. Rich, powerful and plush into the palate, with earthy spice notes alongside that drippingly ripe boisterous fruit. A signature dark chocolate layer sits beautifully alongside the tannins – both dense, velvet and plump. Enough acidity to keep the palate flowing, and with a subtle balance that keeps the flavours spinning. A head-turning, conundrum of a wine – decadent and sensual. The finish is long, drying and sinewy. 95pts
Mr Riggs JFR Shiraz 2018
