2023 Mr. Riggs Montepulciano dÁdelaide, McLaren Vale

Seductive ribbons of rich boysenberry fruit found here with plenty of varietal acidic lift. Plum, blackberry with anise and violet too. Bay and thyme stalk pull through the ends ahead of the firm and immovable tannins punctuating the trajectory with a full stop. Be sure to enjoy with food.

91 points Katrina Butler winecompanion.com.au

Mr. Riggs Montepulciano d’Adelaide from McLaren Vale is a bold, plush and flavour-packed red that takes inspiration from Italy’s Abruzzo while firmly rooting itself in the sun-drenched soils of South Australia. Winemaker Ben Riggs has long been a champion of alternative varieties in McLaren Vale, and this wine shows just how well Montepulciano thrives in the region’s Mediterranean climate.

Sourced from select vineyards across McLaren Vale, the fruit is picked at optimal ripeness to preserve freshness while building richness and depth. Fermentation is carried out in stainless steel with gentle extraction to tame Montepulciano’s natural tannin, followed by maturation in seasoned oak barrels to round out the structure without masking fruit expression.

The nose is generous and dark-fruited, with black cherry, plum compote, dried herbs, dark chocolate and a touch of anise. The palate is full bodied and velvety, with flavours of blackberry, mocha, spice and a hint of savoury earth. Tannins are ripe and textural, offering grip without aggression, and the finish is long, warming and just a little wild.

Food pairing: ideal with osso buco, grilled lamb, rich pasta ragù, smoked eggplant, or hard cheeses like aged pecorino. Also excellent with pizza, braised beef or spicy sausages.

Cellar potential: drinking well now with a decant, but will reward cellaring over the next 5 to 8 years as it develops more savoury and leathery complexity.