Mr Riggs The Gaffer McLaren Vale Shiraz 2016

Ben Riggs’ approach to winemaking is simple – he makes what he loves to drink. What’s more, he likes wines to express both the vineyard and the grape in a big, rich style with elegance. He doesn’t own vineyards but some of his best mates are growers and he works closely with them to get exceptional fruit, a necessity for exceptional wine. Ben aims for iconic wines from iconic regions – Cabernet from Coonawarra, Riesling from Clare Valley, McLaren Vale Shiraz – and knows how to tease the very best from each variety. He started the cellar in 2001, having worked at the McLaren’s renowned Wirra Wirra and across Europe. The winery soon gained James Halliday’s top rating. This is a sumptuous, rich red – a top choice with slow braised lamb shanks.