Rockford Basket Press Shiraz 2003

Discover the essence of Barossa Valley's heart in Tanunda at Rockford, where a legacy of tantalizing taste experiences has been crafted since the 1980s. During those times, the land was more accessible, offering an inviting opportunity for aspiring winemakers to thrive. Robert O'Callaghan, the visionary founder and proprietor, seized the moment and acquired the property that is now home to Rockford. Building strong connections with local grape growers and acquiring top-notch winemaking equipment, Robert embarked on his remarkable winemaking odyssey at Rockford, paving the way for unforgettable wine journeys.

Since its inception, Rockford has embraced a small-scale approach, nurturing close relationships with growers and forging genuine connections with customers. This steadfast commitment to personal connections sets Rockford apart, a competitive edge that stems from decades of fostering rapport within the local community. The land upon which Rockford stands boasts a rich history, its buildings and equipment carefully preserved throughout the years, exuding an enchanting antique charm. During the exploration of the premises, the captivating aroma of wine production permeates the air, immersing individuals in a sensory experience that harmoniously blends with the site's distinctive ambiance. Amidst the allure of Rockford's surroundings, the wines themselves take centre stage. Crafted with passion and meticulous attention to detail, they encapsulate the essence of Barossa Valley's terroir. Each sip unveils a delightful flavor profile, a testament to Rockford's dedication to producing wines that captivate the palate and evoke a genuine sense of pleasure.

Robert O’Callaghan’s evocative Rockford Basket Press Shiraz is made from grapes sourced from 60 to 140-year-old dry-grown vineyards (most from independent growers) across a range of Barossa soils, altitudes, and micro-climates, the wine represents a rare and important post-colonial Australian aesthetic. This embodiment of the region's rich history and diverse terroir ensures that each bottle of Rockford Basket Press Shiraz carries the legacy of the Barossa, creating an extraordinary sensory experience that speaks to the heritage and artistry of winemaking.

The beauty of the wine truly lies in its unique wine making techniques. Embracing a tradition that sets it apart, every step is meticulously crafted to capture the essence of its origin. The journey begins with hand-picked fruit, carefully selected for its optimal ripeness and quality. Following this, classic Barossa techniques come into play, including the utilization of a 19th-century wooden Bagshaw crusher, open fermentation, and the time-honoured method of basket pressing. As the wine matures, it is nurtured in seasoned 300-litre French and American oak hogsheads, along with 2500-litre vats, allowing it to develop and evolve over a period of two years. This patient process ensures that the wine attains a remarkable balance, as the oak imparts its subtle influence, enhancing the complexity and depth of flavors.

The result is a wine that embodies the rich heritage and craftsmanship of its winemaking techniques. Each sip unveils a symphony of flavors, showcasing the meticulous attention to detail and dedication that goes into creating a truly exceptional wine. Discover the beauty that lies within, as this wine tells a story of tradition, craftsmanship, and the artistry of winemaking.

The Rockford Basket Press Shiraz from the 2003 vintage is truly exceptional and delivers absolute deliciousness. In terms of appearance, the wine is bright and clear, showcasing a deep ruby color with noticeable legs. On the nose, it presents a clean profile with medium plus intensity aromas of black fruits, including blackberry and dark cherries. There are also pronounced notes of pungent spices like liquorice and anise, accompanied by oak nuances of cedar and charred wood. Subtle mineral hints of rubber and mature tobacco contribute to its evolving character. On the palate, the wine exhibits a silky smooth texture, with pure expressions of red and blue fruits and a touch of earthiness and smoky tobacco. The flavors of anise, and dark fruits are intertwined, leading to a long finish. With age, this wine has transformed into a beautifully balanced, complex, and refined representation of what Barossa can offer. It possesses a dark and vigorous character without being overly bulky. It will continue to drink well for the next 5+ years. This wine exemplifies the classic style of Barossan Shiraz.

In conclusion, it is a highly commendable Barossa Valley Shiraz, displaying an intense and complex nose that showcases typical varietal characteristics. The wine exhibits a robust structure with well-integrated tannins, providing a solid framework for the concentrated palate. Despite its higher alcohol content, the wine remains balanced and elegant, without any noticeable warmth. An exceptionally long finish adds to its allure. While it is ready to be enjoyed now, further aging for another 3-5 years will bring additional depth.

Good colour; ripe, sweet cherry, plum and spice; delicious fruit profile and weight; silky texture, ripe tannins. - James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion, Published 20 July 2011, 94 Points

Made from 60- to 140-year-old vines by winemaker Chris Ringland and the Barossa icon wine producer Robert O’Callaghan, Rockford’s 2003 Shiraz Basket Press exhibits a beautiful minerality, a lovely floral note to its blackberry and cassis fruit, and hints of pepper, old oak, and garrigue. This complex, full-bodied effort possesses power, richness, and, much like its proprietor, considerable personality. Drink it over the next 15+ years. - Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, 94 points 

The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Shiraz
Country - Australia
Region - Barossa Valley, South Australia
Vintage - 2003
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14.8%
Closure - Cork