Product Description:
Barossa heritage in a bottle, with Cabernet’s dark edge and quiet authority.
Rockford’s Rifle Range Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 draws from vineyards nestled along the historic Rifle Range Road, a strip once known for target shooting and community life in the early Barossa. Today, it’s a celebrated patch of vineyard country—and this wine captures both its legacy and its soil.
Made using traditional methods and hand-harvested fruit, the 2017 is pure Barossa Cabernet: powerful, layered, and true to its place. There’s richness without weight, structure without austerity. The wine’s vineyard source, with its mix of valley floor and hillside fruit, brings both depth and lift to the glass.
A classic for cellaring but drinking beautifully now, this vintage is all black fruit, eucalyptus nuance, and spice. Serve it alongside grilled lamb, aged cheddar, or mushroom and lentil pie.
Maker
Discover the essence of Barossa Valley's heart in Tanunda at Rockford, where a legacy of tantalising 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 flavour profile, a testament to Rockford's dedication to producing wines that captivate the palate and evoke a genuine sense of pleasure.
The Vineyard
In addition to the small home vineyard, Rockford works in partnership with several independent wine growers around Barossa, with vineyards in Kalimna, Ebenezer, Moppa Springs, the Eden Valley and central Barossa. This gives Rockford a wide variety of soil types, mesoclimates and altitudes for its grapes. Many of the vines are planted on their own rootstocks and range up to 130 years old, giving intense, concentrated grapes, and wines with the same attributes. Winemaking is largely traditional, using basket presses, open-topped slate fermenters and a 1880s petrol-driven Bagshaw destemmer/crusher.
Tasting Notes
NOSE
– Aromatic and lifted
Blackcurrant, eucalyptus, and a savoury thread of spice.
PALATE
– Dense and defined
Plum, blackberry, and cherry layered with structured tannins and fresh acidity.
FINISH
– Long and spicy
Persistent dark fruit and peppery spice taper into a poised, lingering close.
Reviews & Accolades
“An epic cabernet, a medium weight expression of Barossa Valley with so much character, beauty and bravado, wrapped in softness and sumptuous joy.” – Mike Bennie, The Wine Front, 96 Points (July 2021)
Finer Details:
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Cabernet Sauvignon
Country - Australia
Region - Barossa Valley, South Australia
Vintage - 2017
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13.9%
