Mr Riggs The Chap Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

This is Ben Riggs’s major opus in the tradition of the Great Australian Red blend, in past times often referred to as our “Claret”, here taking in a 68% proportion of McLaren Vale Shiraz in consort with 28% Coonawarra Cabernet, the latter carrying the opening statement with a high percentage of dark chocolate character, mint as well, charcoal notes and well toasted oak (80/20 French/American, 35% new) all integrated deeply in the aromatic profile. The set up suggests we’re going in big and beautiful here, and true to its word the blend is now immaculately seamless in the palate, richly woven with its dark berry jam-like intensity – the fruit alive and welcoming, sweetly concentrated and tantalising before a lingering, flavourful denouement. Impressive from start to finish.