Mr Riggs Yacca Paddock Tempranillo 2021

After discovering Scott Hicks and Kerry Heysen-Hicks' Yacca Paddock vineyard located in the Kuitpo sub-region of the Adelaide Hills, the Tempranillo provided too good an opportunity to pass up. The rest is history.

Planted in 2000, the vines are east-facing, with site temperatures some 2.5 degrees cooler on average than McLaren Vale, which is just 5km away. The Tempranillo was fermented in a 5-tonne open fermenter, resting on skins for 7 days, followed by membrane bag pressing. Fermentation was completed in 33% new French oak with a balance of 2-year-old French oak. Post malo, the wine was left on its gross lees for a couple of months to add texture and creaminess to the palate—a wonderfully textural, stylish wine, with natural fruit sweetness and elegance.

Rich red fruits with dried herb undertones. Medium-bodied with sweet tart red cherry characteristics and fine-grained tannins on the finish.

94 points - Wine Showcase Tasting 2023