Ponting Wines: An Australian Cricket Legend Crafting Premium Wines.
In a recent interview, our Teri van Aalst had the opportunity to speak with the team behind Ponting Wines, a premium Australian wine label co-created by cricketing legend Ricky Ponting. The brand’s winemaker Ben Riggs shared the fascinating story behind how this unique partnership came to be.
The Origin of Ponting Wines
The idea for Ponting Wines originated from Ben’s long-time friend and business associate, David Krenich. As Riggs explained, Krenich had previously worked as a distributor for LVMH and had connections with several former professional Australian sportsmen who were interested in starting a wine label. When Krenich mentioned the idea to Ricky Ponting at a racing event, Ponting was immediately intrigued.
After Krenich connected Ponting with winemaker Ben Riggs, spending time together, Ponting felt confident that Riggs was the right person to bring this project to life. As Riggs noted, ‘Ponting is very protective of his brand and wanted to ensure the wine would be of the highest quality, reflecting his own discerning tastes’. While Ponting provided input on the wine styles he preferred, the actual winemaking was left in the capable hands of Ben.
Ponting’s Philosophy
The Ponting Wines portfolio sources fruit from premium regions across Australia, including McLaren Vale, Barossa, and Tasmania – the latter being particularly meaningful as Ponting’s home state. Ben, explained that some of the wines, like the acclaimed ‘Close of Play’ Cabernet Sauvignon, were identified through quality opportunities he personally had, while others were selected to align with Ponting’s personal preferences.
One unique aspect of the Ponting Wines range is the “Milestone” series, which features labels inspired by significant moments and achievements from Ponting’s illustrious cricket career. For example, the Ponting 140 Tasmanian Chardonnay pays tribute to his milestone innings of 140 not out in the 2003 World Cup Final in Johannesburg against India which contributed to Australia winning their third cricket World Cup.
Ricky Ponting’s love of wine was sparked during the celebratory moments after the conclusion of cricket matches, particularly the prestigious Ashes test series. As Rigg’s explained, the “Close of Play” range of wines is a nod to this special time, when the older, more experienced players would gather for a glass of red rather than the usual post-match beers. It was during these end-of-game rituals that young Ponting first began to appreciate and develop a taste for fine wine. The “Close of Play” label represents the pinnacle of Ponting’s cricketing career and the moment from when his passion for wine truly sparked. ‘Raising a glass with teammates at the close of play when the game was done and the crowd was gone, were the special moments.’ – Ricky Ponting
On to the Tasting Table
Tasting through the Ponting Wines line-up, it was clear that quality and authenticity are the driving forces behind this label.
In an industry often dominated by celebrity-endorsed wines of questionable quality, Ponting Wines stands out as a genuine passion project that combines Ponting’s toast to incredible career highlights in the game of cricket, combined with the meticulous Australian winemaking choices of Ben Riggs’ both firmly upheld by an unwavering commitment to excellence. This collaboration is poised to continue delighting wine enthusiasts also sports aficionados for years to come.
2022 Ponting 140 Tasmania Chardonnay
Crafted from hand-picked grapes in Tasmania’s cool-climate Coal River Valley, this wine pays tribute to Ricky Ponting’s iconic 140-run innings in the 2003 World Cup final, as part of the Milestone range.
The nose reveals fresh aromas of juicy white nectarine flesh and zesty lemon rind, intertwined with subtle notes of tarte Tatin and roasted macadamias, highlighting the winemaking techniques of gentle pressing, and fermentation in French oak barrels, giving depth and sophistication.
On the palate, the wine delivers a velvety texture with excellent weight, a testament to extended lees ageing. The flavours echo the aromas, offering a harmonious blend of fruit and nutty complexity.
A vibrant structure leads to a crisp, long-lasting finish, making this a wine of exceptional finesse and balance.
Our rating: 91/100 DWA score.
2021 Ponting Mowbray Boy Pinot Noir
The fruit is sourced from the pristine Tamar Valley in northern Tasmania, close to where Ricky Ponting’s childhood town of Mowbray is situated.
The nose is lathered with spiced red cherries and crunchy green notes hinting to partial whole-bunch cool fermentation winemaking. Subtle hints of Christmas spices, cinnamon and nutmeg add depth, reflecting gentle aging in French oak.
On the palate, vibrant flavours of dripping ripe strawberries mingle with delicate earthy undertones, seamlessly echoing the aromas. The finish is long, crisp, and remarkably refined.
A long biting finish, this wine is perfect for immediate enjoyment, yet its structure promises excellent aging potential.
Our rating: 86/100 DWA score.
2021 Ponting Close of Play Cabernet Sauvignon
Sourced from premium vineyards along the Bremer River in Langhorne Creek, this wine pays homage to Ponting’s countless “close of play” moments on the cricket field.
On the nose, it captivates with layers of stewed rhubarb and clove-spiced jam, intertwined with refreshing hints of mint. A subtle buttered popcorn note adds depth, a clear nod to the influence of malolactic fermentation in French oak.
In the glass, its deep red, almost violet hue suggests extended maceration for optimal colour and tannin extraction. The palate follows suit with robust tannins and a rich, weighty texture. Flavours of warm blackcurrants and stewed black cherries are seamlessly integrated with the oak influence, striking a fine balance between new and seasoned barrels.
This is a complex, full-bodied, and savoury wine that delivers an array of exceptional depth and a long, polished finish.
Our rating: 88/100 DWA score.
2021 Ponting 127 Barossa Valley Shiraz – 1908
This wine pays homage to Ponting’s iconic 127-run innings against England at Headingley, Leeds, during his first Ashes Test in 1997, a milestone that also marked his maiden Test century.
On the nose, it unmistakably reflects the bold and robust character of a classic Barossa Shiraz, aromas of dark currants, warm blackberry compote, and subtle hints of cacao and coffee bean, dotted with black pepper.
The palate delivers a well-composed structure, with mouth-coating tannins that are seamlessly integrated. The gentle extraction achieved through open fermentation amplifies the vibrant flavours detected on the nose, while subtle notes of coconut, vanilla, and cedar hint at the influence of American and French oak aging. These layers of richness culminate in a full-bodied, velvety mouthfeel.
A wine of excellent depth, it will continue to evolve beautifully in the cellar over the next decade.
Our rating: 89/100 DWA score.
Ponting Wines – A Legacy Beyond the Cricket Pitch
Ponting Wines stands as a testament to Ricky Ponting’s relentless pursuit of excellence, both on and off the cricket field. By partnering with renowned winemaker Ben Riggs, Ponting has crafted a premium wine label that not only reflects his illustrious career but also captures the essence of Australia’s finest wine regions. From the cool-climate elegance of Tasmania’s Coal River Valley to the bold intensity of Barossa Valley Shiraz, each bottle tells a unique story of milestones, moments, and meticulous craftsmanship.
What sets Ponting Wines apart is its authenticity—a rare find in the world of celebrity-endorsed products. This is more than a brand; it’s a genuine collaboration fueled by passion, respect for quality, and a shared love of wine. Whether you’re a cricket fan, a wine connoisseur, or simply someone seeking a memorable bottle to celebrate life’s milestones, Ponting Wines offers a sip of something truly special.
This article was written by our own Teri van Aalst. These wines are available to purchase in the Netherlands from 2Island Wines, a speciality wine store for purchase of premium Australian and New Zealand wines.
