Rockford Black Sparkling Shiraz - Disgorged 2023

Rockford Wines is a renowned wine producer situated in the beautiful Barossa Valley of Australia. Founded in the early 1980s by Robert O'Callaghan, the winery has become well-known for producing exceptional Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon wines. O'Callaghan's journey in winemaking began in 1965 when he started as a trainee winemaker at Seppelt in Rutherglen, Victoria. In 1971, he moved to Barossa and purchased two hectares of land under the Barossa ranges, where he planted vines and built a winery that resembled a 1850s stone cottage. Rockford's first vintage was in 1984, and since then, the winery has been working in partnership with several independent wine growers around Barossa, with vineyards in Kalimna, Ebenezer, Moppa Springs, the Eden Valley and central Barossa. This partnership has allowed Rockford to have access to a wide variety of soil types, mesoclimates and altitudes for its grapes. Many of the vines are planted on their own rootstocks and some are up to 130 years old, which gives the grapes an intense and concentrated flavour. The winemaking process at Rockford is traditional, using basket presses, open-topped slate fermenters, and a 1880s petrol-driven Bagshaw destemmer/crusher. Rockford's flagship wine is its Basket Press Shiraz, which is aged for two years in French and American oak hogshead barrels before release. The wine has become one of Australia's most sought-after wines and has consistently received high scores from critics. Apart from the Basket Press Shiraz, Rockford has several other top wines in its portfolio, including the Rifle Range Cabernet Sauvignon, the Sparkling Black Shiraz and the Rod and Spur Cabernet-Shiraz blend. With its dedication to traditional winemaking techniques and partnerships with independent wine growers, Rockford Wines has established itself as one of Australia's most respected wineries.

The Barossa Valley in Australia is home to the oldest Syrah vines on the planet, with some dating back 140 to 175 years. The region has never been threatened by phylloxera, and the amount of land dedicated to Shiraz in Australia is almost equivalent to that in France. Australian Shiraz has intense flavours and aromas of blackberry, fruitcake, menthol, tobacco leaf and umami. The valley comprises two sub-regions, Eden Valley and the warmer Barossa Valley floor and has a warm Mediterranean climate. The area is home to Australia's largest concentration of old-vine Shiraz, Grenache and Mourvedre and the very best Australian Shiraz from the Barossa Valley will be dense, gloriously complex and capable of long aging.

Sparkling Shiraz is a red wine that combines the richness of Shiraz with the effervescence of sparkling wine. It has a deep red color and offers aromas of ripe dark fruits, spices, and a hint of chocolate. On the palate, it delivers luscious flavors of blackberry and black cherry, with notes of pepper and clove. The fine bubbles add liveliness and a delightful mouthfeel. Sparkling Shiraz is versatile and pairs well with barbecued meats, roasted game, or chocolate desserts. It is a unique and flavorful wine that leaves a lasting impression.

The Rockford Black Sparkling Shiraz - Disgorged 2023 is a highly anticipated vintage that showcases the exceptional craftsmanship of Rockford wines. This sparkling Shiraz offers a unique and enjoyable tasting experience. In the glass, the wine presents a deep, dark red colour with a lively effervescence that adds a touch of excitement. On the nose, enticing aromas of ripe black fruits, such as blackberries and black cherries, captivate the senses. Notes of dark chocolate, spice and a hint of smokiness complement the bouquet, adding depth and complexity. Upon tasting, the wine reveals a full-bodied and velvety texture that coats the palate with rich and intense flavors. The black fruit flavors dominate, with layers of blackberry jam, plum and dark cherry taking centre stage. These flavors are balanced by hints of baking spices like clove and cinnamon, providing depth and complexity to the wine. The fine bubbles in the Rockford Black Sparkling Shiraz create a luxurious mouthfeel, enhancing the overall sensory experience. The wine finishes with lingering flavors of dark chocolate and a touch of oak, leaving a lasting impression.

I’ll never forget a Sparkling Shiraz I found in my father’s cellar at Seppelt’s Barooga vineyard when I was a kid – I can taste it now. Many years later, when I worked at Seppelt’s Rutherglen, I met Colin Preece, the master responsible for the great old wines. Ever since, I’ve wanted to make a wine of my own that reflected his attitude and technique. This is it: Black Shiraz matured in seasoned oak, revitalised by bottle fermentation, left on lees before disgorgement and liqueuring, and then put straight back into the cellar. You’d be doing us both a favour if you left it there a bit longer so it can really show its best. But watch your kids. - Robert O'Callaghan, Winemaker

The Finer Details
Style - Sparkling Wine
Varietal - Shiraz
Country - Australia
Region - Barossa Valley
Disgorged - 2023
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13.9%
Closure - Cork