Mr Riggs Idle Lane Shiraz 2019
- 94
- $35
- Drink by: 2023 - 2030
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You’d be staggered at the number of wines Ben Riggs’ fingerprints are all over, especially from the McLaren Vale region. He is a very popular winemaker. However, the Idle Vineyard, located in the cooler north-eastern sector of the Vale, which enjoys a slightly higher altitude, is Ben’s own, purchased in 1996. He liked it so much that this is also where Ben built the family home.
An exciting McLaren Vale Shiraz, a little more elegant than most from the district, the colour is an opaque red with flecks of vibrant purple. The nose is all black fruits, with good oak integration and mulberry notes, not to ignore the big, bold and rich waves of chocolate. Terrific concentration throughout, excellent balance, silky tannins and serious length. This has a big future, though many will love the velvety plushness of the wine at this stage.
Ken was born and bred in Brisbane, Queensland. He had a non-trendy, perfectly happy childhood, in a family convinced alcohol meant instant condemnation to Hades. But a break fishing on the Great Barrier Reef, and some good wine, started a serious obsession that eventually took over. It did not stop Ken being chastised later for drinking Pol champagne, disgusted he’d drink anything made by a Cambodian dictator. Now, Ken mostly writes on wine, champagne and spirits for various newspapers, magazines and books, but is perhaps best known for his work in The Courier Mail. He also has a little sideline writing on cigars, fishing, travel and food. When not writing, fly-fishing for trout in NZ or bonefish on the flats of Cuba, travelling or smoking cigars, he is no doubt following a variety of sporting teams – the occasionally glorious Queensland Reds rugby, the dysfunctional Washington Redskins, the dodgy Arsenal and especially revels in the world restored to its proper axis with the return of the Ashes to their rightful home.
