2018 Mr Riggs Outpost Coonawarra Cabernet

Ben Riggs sourced the fruit for this excellent Cabernet Sauvignon from one of Coonawarra’s top growers - Michael Wetherall’s, Wetherall Estate. Supplied from the “Thomas” vineyard and the “Harrison” vineyard both named after Michael and Michelle Weatherall’s children, the sites are located in the northern end of the region and are traditionally some of the earlier ripening blocks.

These low yielding vineyards typically produce wines that possess excellent concentration, fine tannins and strong varietal flavours.

Picked on different days and from different blocks to allow for optimum ripening and multiple blending options, parcels of fruit for this Cabernet were separately fermented in 5 tonne open fermenters. On skin fermentation was completed before pressings were sent to barrel to complete fermentation in a 30% new French and 5% American oak combination.

Rich, refined and structured, this remarkably well priced Coonawarra Cabernet is a result of the outstanding 2018 vintage.

Magnificent saturation of colour featuring an inky black core and a very deep dark red black hue. Aromatically, the nose presents a classic Coonawarra sniff of blackcurrant, mulberry, cedary tobacco characters, dried herbs, black olive and spicy bay leaf that are delivered with an elevated intensity. Flush with rich red to blackcurrant and mulberry fruits the medium to full bodied palate shows both refinement and structure. Sitting on the sidelines are complexing elements of spicy cedar, tobacco, subtle earthy black olives and infusions of bay leaf. The acidity and finely structured tannins in perfect harmony with the fruit. The conclusion long, rich and generous yet elegant.
Cellar 6-8 years.
Alc. 14.5%