Mr. Riggs Valerie Pinot Noir 2023

Named in honour of Ben Riggs’ mother and inspired by the elegance and strength of its namesake, the 2023 “Valerie” Pinot Noir from Mr. Riggs is a graceful yet quietly powerful wine. Grown in the cool reaches of the Adelaide Hills, this release exemplifies refinement, fine structure, and a distinctly feminine intensity.

Sourced from a single vineyard in Woodside, the fruit was harvested in the cool early morning of late April to preserve natural acidity. The 2023 vintage was defined by a cool growing season and near-perfect ripening conditions. Fermentation included 15% whole bunch to enhance structure and aromatic lift, followed by maturation for six months in French oak barriques and puncheons (20% new). A short resting period in tank preceded bottling in December.

In the glass, Valerie shows floral lift and bright red fruits—cherry, raspberry and a touch of wild strawberry—layered with savoury spice, crushed herbs and a whisper of mint. The palate is supple and polished, showing soft red fruit, fine-grained tannins and gentle oak influence. A wine of finesse and charm that reflects both site and sentiment.

Small-Batch Detail

• Vineyard: Woodside, Adelaide Hills

• Clones: Predominantly 777 & MV6, with small amounts of 114 & 115

• Fermentation: 15% whole bunch, open ferment, 8 days on skins

• Oak Maturation: 6 months in French oak (20% new)

• Alcohol: 13.5% 

• Bottled: 20 December 2023 | Production: 1500 x 6-pack

• Cellaring: Now to 2030

Critical Acclaim
⭐ 93 Points – WinePilot
“Crushed red berries, darker cherry, herbed notes and soft finish… Valerie reflects her namesake—refined and welcoming.”

FinePinot Note
Elegant, aromatic and food-friendly, this Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir is one to savour slowly. A fitting tribute to family and place, it’s ideal with roast duck, grilled chicken, or a creamy mushroom tagliatelle.

Adelaide Hills

（ Shaw + Smith Lenswood-Vineyard , credit : Shaw + Smith Wines)

Located southeast of Adelaide, the Adelaide Hills is a wine region covering nearly 1,500 km² with 3,957 hectares of vineyards. Thanks to its high altitude and rugged landscape—with its rolling hills, valleys, and sub‑valleys—the region enjoys a cool climate that gives rise to a variety of meso‑climates. This climatic diversity is one of the keys to producing elegant Pinot Noir with distinctive characters.Pinot Noir from this region typically exhibit a medium‑bodied style, brimming with ripe cherry and strawberry flavors, softened by gentle tannins.