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Mr. Riggs Yacca Paddock Tempranillo 2009
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The 2009 Mr. Riggs Tempranillo was rather simply manufactured, being fermented in a 5 tonne open fermenter, resting on skins for 8 days, followed by membrane bag press, and completing its fermentation in 33% new French oak with the balance old French oak. After the malo finished the wine was left on its gross lees for about 6 months to add texture and creaminess to the palate.
The 2009 Mr. Riggs Tempranillo is emerging to be a wonderfully rich, stylish wine, with natural fruit sweetness and elegance, much like the inaugural release from the 2002 vintage. One of the key characteristics of the variety is the savoury tannins, evident in abundance, as well as the sweet red berry flavours of the fruit.
The aim of all Mr. Riggs wines is to express the essence of the vineyard and variety or varieties, in a style that I enjoy drinking; big, rich and complex, but also with finesse, texture and elegance, the latter not necessarily being a trait shared by myself. Under the Mr. Riggs label my plan was to produce icon wines from icon regions.
Yacca Paddock was set up by film director Scott Hicks and wife Kerry Heysen Hicks to create their very own paradise in the Adelaide Hills. Mission accomplished – the vineyard, located next to Geoff Hardy's Kuitpo vineyard in the lower mount Lofty Ranges, is a breathtaking site. A cool, temperate climate, with temperatures on average 2.5 C cooler than vineyards only 5km down the road as the crow flies in McLaren Vale . This is a premium site for the Tempranillo and the off-dry Germanic VOR0GS Riesling. The site also receives considerably more rainfall than down the road – an average of 850mm per annum, as compared to the McLaren Vale average of approximately 650mm.
Ancient podzolic soils combine with modern viticultural tactics – as well as being next door to Geoff Hardy's Kuitpo Vineyard, the vines are also managed by Geoff. Both varieties are on a single wire trellis, and shoots are vertically positioned, to maximise light exposure to the grapes, which enhances even ripening.
Staff tasting: We were lucky enough to have Mr Riggs himself show us his range recently, and this delicious and complex Tempranillo was universally agreed to be the standout. An expertly bound contortion of spices and dark fruits prepares the palate for a lengthy, chewy tannin finish. Perfect for Asian dishes. Tasters: TE, HK, BK, CN, MM.
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| Don't Pay: $25.00
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WBW Rating: 92/100
Closure: Stelvin
Region: Adelaide Hills SA |
Winemaker: Ben Riggs
Drink now until: 2016
Alc/Vol: 14 %
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