A first review by Nick Chlebnikowski (Nick’s Wine Merchants, Melbourne) notes a seamless Shiraz “whose velvet texture and persistence of flavour establish a new benchmark of stylistic finesse for McLaren Vale”. Mr Riggs McLaren Vale Shiraz 2001 has stirred excitement and competition which will see it positioned instantly as a new cult wine and a significant triumph for Ben and his exceptional abilities. “Opaque, black, crimson colour. The nose is superb with that wonderful sniffing quality that almost renders drinking the wine unnecessary.The traditional Shiraz notes are all evident but not in their own right.Violets, prunes, vanilla, confectionery and licorice bullets hit an exquisite top chord.”

“The palate structure is indeed seamless and is built around such a silky smooth texture that makes this wine a potential drinking hazard!”