Mr. Riggs Tempranillo 2005

The Adelaide Hills region is producing some outstanding Tempranillo based wines.  I liked the 2004 edition of this wine, but the 05 is a step up again.  I can't tell if its the vines getting older, a good season in 2005 or different wine making, but Mr. Riggs has made a very good tempranillo with varietal definition and structure.

Deep red, with a ruby edge.  Coffee, rhubarb and cherry on the nose, a few flakes of dark chocolate sprinkled in for good measure.  The very smooth and silky texture captures your mouth straight away.  Tart dark cherry and  blackberry on the palate with some licorice and spice.  The 15% alc raises its head above the parapet with a bit of heat that adds a cherry liquor flavour. Nice sandy tannins and a spike of acid on the medium length finish. Overall, very enjoyable and drinkable. I'd like a bit less alcohol, but as the wine builds in the glass it disappears into the background.  90 Pts.

Source: Boccaccio Cellars RRP: $25 Closure: Screwcap

Web: www.mrriggs.com.au

Nepenthe Tempranillo 2004

The more tempranillo based wines I see from the Adelaide Hills, the more I think it is an ideal location for producing Rioja style wines.  This is the forth release of tempranillo by the chaps at Nepenthe and they seem to have nailed it. 

One thing I have noticed with many of the Australian tempranillo based wines is that they need some time to open up, especially those that have seen some time in wood.  A bit of bottle age would would probably help as well, so it looks like it will be well worth your time putting some of this in the cellar.

Deep cherry in colour, the nose has great aromas of ripe cherry, a bit of mulberry, leather with some rosemary and sage.  Nice weight in the mouth, the tannins are fine and develop a nice texture with some air.  More ripe fruit in the mouth, dark cherry. After a couple of hours the palate really develops with liquorice and spice adding complexity.  Nicely balanced with a healthy shot of acid.  You could confuse this for a good, modern Rioja very easily.  90 Pts.

Source: Winery Sample RRP: $25 Closure: Screwcap

Web: www.nepenthe.com.au

Mr Riggs Tempranillo 2004

My ongoing quest to find good Australian tempranillo continues, and we seem to be moving in the right direction.  From the cooler climate Adelaide Hills, this is a good example of tempranillo and is much better than previous attempts by these guys.  One of my main criticisms with past vintages has been the oak treatment, the 04 is quite restrained in this aspect and lets the fruit do most of the talking.

The vines for this wine were planted in 2000 and the oak treatment is 20% new french oak, with the rest being old french oak.

Very deep, dark red in the glass.  The nose has some nice red cherry, cherry liquor, olives and some star anise.  Medium bodied in the mouth.  Savory with supple tannins and nicely balanced.  Dark fruits, liquorice and earth.  A bit more acid would be nice, its not all fruit however.  It held its own in against a crianza from Rioja, not the same style but it wasn't out of place. 87 Pts.

Source: Retail RRP: $25 Closure: Conventional Cork

Web: www.mrriggs.com.au