Wine Spectator:  Rated as Outstanding: a wine of superior character and style. "Fresh and vibrant, this complex red shows mineral and grain accents to its rich blackberry and cherry flavors, all coming together on the refined finish. Drink now through 2018. 2,000 cases made." Jul 2011

Winery:  "This wine is Named in honor of John ‘The Gaffer’ Riggs (1814-1902), the great-great-great grandfather of winemaker Ben Riggs, acknowledging 150 years of the Riggs family rich farming heritage in South Australia.
The Gaffer Shiraz is a testament to the best of McLaren Vale. Made with 30% new French oak, this wine shows excellent integration of Shiraz fruit with the gentle use of oak creating a big, rich, juicy, smooth style of red, finishing with elegance and spice.  Drink now-2015."

Wired For Wine:   "Big, rich, vibrant, juicy"...  Sounds good to us!  This intense Mr. Riggs The Gaffer Shiraz will cause instant good will and smiles when you offer up generous glasses with marinated eggplant slices wrapped around fresh goat cheese.  The Chinese 5 spice, dark berries, lively acidity, lovely tannins and touch of earth combine so very beautifully to make an ideal partner for barbecue, meats, burgers, sausages, hearty pastas and more.  We love the succulent fruit of this The Gaffer with dinosaur bones (aka beef ribs) grilled with a chipotle/cherry barbecue sauce.  Chicken Shiraz with porcini and whole shallots will awaken the earthy side of this Aussie red.  And for those perfect tannins, we recommend grilled, yogurt-marinated leg of lamb.  Good heavenly delicious!  At this point, everyone will be firmly rooted to their seats, holding out their glasses for a refill.  Placate them with another bottle or two and a potent Stilton cheese.  We predict that this lineup ought to get you at least one Good On Ya!, or at least a new mate or two...

Size:  750ml, cork
Varietal:  98% Shiraz, 2% Viognier
Alcohol:  14.5%
Ageing:  12 months in 30% new French oak
Region:  McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia
Limited Production: 2,000 dozen made