A Son's Tribute — McLaren Vale Shiraz Named for John Frederick Riggs

The 2018 Mr Riggs JFR McLaren Vale Shiraz carries its initials with purpose. JFR stands for John Frederick Riggs — the late father of winemaker Ben Riggs, and the man after whom this wine is named as a permanent tribute. It is a wine made with the weight of that dedication behind it: generous, complex, and built to honour a life well lived. Seven years of bottle age has only deepened what was already a wine of considerable character.

My Wine Man on Mr Riggs

Ben Riggs is one of McLaren Vale's most celebrated winemakers — a veteran of the region with decades of experience crafting wines that express the Vale's distinctive warm-climate character with precision and restraint. Mr Riggs Wine Co. is his personal label: a range of wines that reflect his own palate and philosophy, free from the constraints of larger producers. The JFR is the flagship expression of that philosophy — a wine that is more typically McLaren Vale in character, with the generous dark fruit, chocolate, and mocha profile that defines the region, given structure and longevity by 20 months in predominantly French oak.

Tasting Notes

Bitter chocolate, ground coffee, and mocha scents swirl about a core of violet and dark fruit on the nose. The palate is rich and generous — looser-knit and more approachable than the estate's Burnt Block, with a saline pull of acidity on the finish that adds freshness and length. Twenty months in predominantly French oak (35% new) has added structure and complexity without overwhelming the fruit.

Style & Drinking Window

Full-bodied with a generous, warm McLaren Vale character and a saline, food-friendly finish. Drinking beautifully now with 7 years of bottle age. Decant for one hour. Will continue to develop through 2030. Pair with slow-roasted lamb, duck confit, or aged hard cheese.

Why This Is a Smart Buy

At HK$288, the Mr Riggs JFR delivers premium McLaren Vale Shiraz with 20 months of French oak ageing and 7 years of bottle age from one of the Vale's most celebrated winemakers. This is a wine with a story, a pedigree, and a character that punches well above its price point.

Looking for a Different Style?

Explore more premium McLaren Vale Shiraz from different producers:

• 2018 Pertaringa Over The Top Shiraz — a bold, characterful McLaren Vale Shiraz from the same vintage, with the same irreverent spirit and serious depth
• 2022 Mollydooker Blue Eyed Boy Shiraz — a premium McLaren Vale Shiraz from one of the Vale's most exuberant and celebrated producers
• 2018 d'Arenberg The Dead Arm Shiraz — McLaren Vale's most iconic Shiraz label from the same vintage — a natural step up in pedigree and price

Life's too short for bad wine.