Named after Ben’s mother, Valerie, the Matriarch of the Riggs family. 15% of the fruit was kept as whole bunch to add texture and complexity as well as a little bit of tannin weight. The wine was fermented over an 8 day period and then pressed directly to a mixture of French barriques and puncheons with 20% being new oak where it matured for a period of 6 months. Semi translucent red to dark red core with black toned edges and a light red hue. Perfumed like violet scents mix with red to dark cherry and wild strawberries followed by some forest floor, fresh herb and spicy cedar notes. Delicious dark cherry and strawberry fruits are delivered with intensity and possess a lovely supple feel. Lending further interest are notions of subtle anise, dried herbs, forest floor and spicy cedar. Excellent power wave with polished tannins and a long succulently fruited finish that’s quite savoury. Drink over the next 4-5 years. Alc. 13.5%

Made by Rockstar winemaker Ben Riggs, the McLaren Vale Shiraz is as true an expression as one could hope for. The fifth release of the wine is based around a core of pristine fruit with dark red berries, hints of spice, earth, tar and leather and with seamlessly integrated oak. Ripe tannins are apparent but not overwhelming, meaning this is a wine which can be enjoyed now or in the next 10-15 years.

This wine, a Piebald, meaning black and white, is a co-fermentation of the blackest Syrah grapes, with a hatful of the purest white Viognier. Deep in colour, the wine is almost black, yet is also vibrant and bright. The nose is perfumed with apricots, spice and liquorice; a pretty, fragrant wine with a sweet juice and velvety palate. The finish is elegant with savoury spice and a fine tannin length and persistence.

Ben Riggs has hand-crafted a delicious Shiraz Cabernet Merlot blend here that pays homage to the three-spiked prickle that can be found in the McLaren Vale region and the fact that it's hard to ignore. This unctuous red blend is also extremely hard to ignore with its seamless varietal integration that produces a wine full of richness and opulence. Ripe, dark berry fruits courtesy of Merlot along with spice elements from the Shiraz and a firm, but balanced structure from the Cabernet all come together superbly.

Lifted and fragrant with floral notes on the nose. A full flavoured Shiraz Cabernet with aromas of dark red fruits, freshly crushed mint and a fine grained tannin structure. It's an exceptional representation of two of McLaren Vales most popular varieties.