2023 Mr. Riggs The Gaffer Shiraz 6 Pack

95 POINTS

Tony Love - Winepilot

The Gaffer is Ben Riggs’ special Shiraz that he leverages fund-raising for cancer research. It’s a ripper in its own right as an all-encompassing McLaren Vale Shiraz sourced from five different district vineyards, warmer to cooler sites across the region for a range of varying parcels before bringing together this everyday yet standout wine. It’s bloody delicious with fresh and lively crimson fruits, a pleasing depth of flavour and mid-weight power, supported by well judged oak (mostly French) for spice rather than timber. A genuine understanding and expression of that much-loved sweet spot of McLaren Vale Shiraz goodness.

93 POINTS

Sam Kim - Wine Orbit

It's immediately appealing on the nose with black and blueberry, rich floral, olive, and cedary oak notes. The palate is equally satisfying, featuring a rich mouthfeel with a velvety texture and beautifully blended tannins. It is upfront and delightful.

93 POINTS

Ray Jordan - Winepilot

This is a most stylish example of McLaren Vale Shiraz. It was a cool season, which is reflected in a slightly more restrained and yet still compelling and flavoursome wine that captures so much of what McLaren Vale is all about. It’s designed to be soft and plush and generous with the fruit dominance obvious from the outset. And yet there is some fine tannin in here, contributing to its poise and finish. A slightly gravelly note on the palate adds a textural complexity that’s most appealing. This is a wine that, over the years, has contributed more than $220,000 towards cancer research, with a share of the purchase price going into this incredibly worthy cause.

90 POINTS

Marcus Ellis - Halliday Wine Companion

This is made up of estate fruit and four other sites, with 10–15% new oak for maturation. This is a reliably consistent label for quality, style and value. It’s more medium weighted, the variation in sites allowing for intensity and elegance. Quite ferrous, sweet fruited – black berries, dark plum – but earthy, spicy, with scrubland notes and anise. The tannins are assertive but not overly drying; it's made for the table.