Mr Riggs ‘Yacca Paddock’ Tempranillo

$30.00 $23.99
-20%
SKU: YACCApaddock Categories: , , Tags: ,

History

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.

Vineyard

Planted in 2000, vines are east facing with site temperatures some 2.5 degrees cooler on average than McLaren Vale which, as the crow flies, is just 5km away. Vines are on old podsolic soils over an ironstone/gravel base and planted to a reasonably high density on a single cordon. With elevation of 350-375 metres above sea level, and an annual rainfall in the vicinity of 825mm, Yacca Paddock qualifies as a premium cool climate Adelaide Hills vineyard. Yacca Paddock’s elevated position overlooking the Gulf of St Vincent offers consistent cooling breezes, ensures healthy canopies and allows the vines to avoid the extremes of summer temperature and develop complex varietal characters. 2020 was a challenging vintage in the Adelaide Hills. Luckily, the Kuitpo, where the fruit for this wine is sourced has had no issues of smoke taint. Although yields were low, quality was exceptional, with good flavour and colour. The advantage of growing an early ripening variety like tempranillo in the Adelaide Hills were pronounced in 2020 as it experienced relatively mild ripening conditions in comparison to warmer regions.

Wine

The 2020 Mr. Riggs Yacca Paddock 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 the balance 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, the Mr. Riggs Yacca Paddock Tempranillo is in its 20th vintage and characteristically displays savoury tannins, dried herb undertones, and highlights sweet tart red cherry flavours. Drink with food.