synergy fine wines

Named in honor of John ‘The Gaffer’ Riggs (1814-1902), the great-great-great grandfather of winemaker Ben Riggs. The Gaffer Shiraz acknowledges 150 years of a rich farming heritage for the Riggs family in South Australia.  The Gaffer Shiraz is a testament to the best of McLaren Vale. Made with 20% new oak, this wine shows excellent integration of Shiraz fruit with the gentle use of oak creating a big, rich, juicy, smooth style. Cofermented with a tiny amount of Viognier (just 1-2%) the nose is delicately perfumed and the palate softened.

A very good value, the opulent, dense ruby/purple-tinged Shiraz The Gaffer exhibits exuberant fruit, a subtle touch of French oak, and abundant glycerin as well as body, purity, and density. The Gaffer Shiraz is a testament to the best of McLaren Vale. Made with 20% new oak, this wine shows excellent integration of Shiraz fruit with the gentle use of oak creating a big, rich, juicy, smooth style. Cofermented with a tiny amount of Viognier (just 1-2%) the nose is delicately perfumed and the palate softened.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate : 88 points Oct 2009

"Containing just a splash of Viognier (2%) 'The Gaffer' Shiraz spent 12 months in French oak, 30% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, it gives an intense nose of warm black currant, black cherry and Chinese five spice with a suggestion of earth. Full-bodied with plenty of primary dark berry fruit, it's supported by high acid and medium-firm rounded tannins, finishing long."