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2018 Mr Riggs The Chap Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon
Personally tailored by Mr Riggs this high end offering comes appropriately dressed in a dark blue bound presentation box that even smells like a new suit! Fruit is sourced from Ben’s own Piebald Gully vineyard in McLaren Vale whilst the Coonawarra Cabernet component comes from Weatherall vineyards. A blend of 89% Shiraz and 11% Cabernet Sauvignon maturation took place in a mixture of French (80%) and American (20%) oak, of which 35% was new, for a period of 22 months.
Rich and powerful yet stylish this is the best Chap yet.
Magnificent depth of colour featuring an impenetrable inky black core along with a deep dark red black hue. Soaring out of the glass is a heady mix of ripe blackberry, blackcurrant and liquorice scents which are complexed by vanillin cedar, hints of tobacco, earth, dark chocolate and subtle spicy dried herb notes. Rich, velvety and enveloping the lavish yet refined palate is saturated with ripe blackberry, liquorice and more subtle dark chocolate flavours. Vanillin cedar, earth, traces of tobacco and spicy dried herb elements linger underneath. Incredibly expansive, voluminous and powerful it possesses polished tannins that have Cabernet Sauvignons underlying structure. Concludes exceptionally long, densely fruited and seductive.
Drink over the next 8-10 years.
Alc. 14.5%
Other Reviews.....
A polished package for this big, bold, classic Australian Shiraz-Cabernet Sauvignon blend. Mr. Riggs' flagship wine is his tribute to the masters of the 'claret' blend who have married the varieties for generations. This premium offering has been cellared for several years before release in its prime - an excellent gifting wine.
97 points
Sam Kim - Wine Orbit