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Available by the dozen
John The Gaffer Riggs (1814-1902), great great great grandfather of Ben Riggs, migrated from Dorsetshire and settled in Gawler 1855. One of South Australia's most prominent farmers, he owned hundreds of acres dedicated to wheat. His sheep flock was also highly regarded and his methods progressive for the time. Success in the wheat trade was matched by significant awards at exhibitions in Sydney, London and Paris. Ben Riggs' own love of the land and his passion for it's offerings are directly attributable to the efforts of his far sighted ancestor. Sourced from some of the finest sites as managed by the best growers. McLaren Vale is a region which boasts the perfect climate for grape growing, warm summers, low humidity, good winter rain and long autumns to ensure that grapes achieve ripeness, flavour, acid and balance. Beginning with the 2006 vintage, thirty cents from each bottle has been donated to the Pink Ribbon campaign, the aim being to raise funds for breast cancer research and heighten awareness for the cause along the way. Parcels of the finest McLaren Vale Shiraz are fermented in a high proportion of new French oak barrels, followede by a term of maturation, to achieve full integration of tannins and fruit with a fragrant lift.
TASTING NOTESLuscious violet, red velvet hue. The nose is delicately perfumed with clean aromas, currants, cocoa and plums are seasoned by green pepper spice, cloves and vanilla anise. Lovely Shiraz fruit over a background of gentle French oak, a big, rich, juicy, smooth style of red wine, exhibiting a soft palate, finishing cleanly with true elegance and a hint of spice. Our Gaffer is a flavoursome, fruit driven, full bodied Shiraz that's well balanced and assured to please. |
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And, yes.. Ben does have a vineyard
Located at Kangarilla on the edge of the McLaren Vale designated region, Piebald Gully is a recently planted patch producing fine grade Shiraz, Viognier and Petit Verdot from low yielding hand tended vines. Besides 22 vintages in Australia, Ben has presided over a further eight overseas. Experience has been gained in the Napa Valley, Bordeaux, Greece, Italy and the South of France which gives Ben a broad appreciation of wine styles and winemaking practices. A graduate of Roseworthy (in 1985), Ben has made a major contribution to regional wine industry activities having served 10 years as a board member of McLaren Vale Winemakers Inc. Three of those years saw Ben in the role of Chairman. He also chaired the McLaren Vale Wine Show over a 5-year period. Wines made by Ben have achieved considerable Wine Show Awards success including winning the first two Great Australian Shiraz Challenges. More than 20 trophies have been won and in 1993, Wirra Wirra 1991 Angelus was declared the winner of the Sydney International Top 100 wine awards. Mr Riggs»
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