Rockford Basket Press Shiraz 2002 1.5L

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 2002 vintage is an outstanding wine that exemplifies the best of Barossa. Its appearance retains a deep purple/ruby color with only subtle signs of aging. On the nose, it displays explosive aromatics, accompanied by a level of refinement and freshness that is not commonly found in the Barossa Valley. On the palate, it delivers robust fruit flavors that are well-integrated and rich, with a luscious jammy quality. The wine maintains its elegance and remains as spectacular as ever. While it can easily continue to age for another 5 years, it is currently at its peak drinking stage. The savory sweet fruit profile is accompanied by a rich and chewy texture. The tannins have softened, and the oak integration is seamless. Pleasant fruit notes, earthy undertones, and hints of eucalyptus mingle harmoniously with the integrated wood and tannins. The wine offers a nice length and a well-rounded character. Its high viscosity is notable. The palate reveals explosive flavors of jammy black fruits such as black cherries and elderberries, complemented by touches of tart raspberries, tobacco, leather, mint, and meaty notes. There is also a distinct dark mineral nuance. Despite its full-bodied nature, the wine maintains impeccable balance, with the high alcohol content harmoniously concealed beneath the freshness and abundance of fruit. It retains a medium level of acidity and tannins, creating a cohesive and harmonious experience. The finish is long, showcasing plenty of freshness.

Medium-bodied; classic exercise in restraint; an array of black fruits on a long palate; fine, savoury tannins; minimal oak. - James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion, 94 points 

A crisp, elegant, refreshing style of Shiraz made from 60- to 140-year-old vines, the 2002 vintage, according to winemaker Chris Ringland, produced wines of elegance and crisp acidity because of the long growing season. This fresh, lively yet seriously concentrated effort needs another 2-3 years of bottle age, and should drink well for two decades. Drink 2007-2025. - Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, 92 points 

Dark ruby color. Huge bouquet of smoky, almost jammy blackberry and black cherry liqueur and cured meat, with intriguing suggestions of dried rose and violet. Fresh and silky, with medium weight and vibrant red and dark berry flavors that expand and sweeten with air. Finishes with terrific energy and lift, picking up some fruity black pepper, baking spice and fresh floral notes that linger tenaciously - Vinous

The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Shiraz
Country - Australia
Region - Barossa Valley, South Australia
Vintage - 2002
Bottle Size - 1.5L
ABV - 15%
Closure - Cork