Rockford Basket Press Shiraz 2000 1.5L

Product Description:
Rockford Basket Press Shiraz 2000 1.5L is a mature, large-format expression of one of the Barossa Valley’s most enduring traditional Shiraz labels. Established by Robert O’Callaghan, Rockford has built Basket Press Shiraz around specially selected parcels supplied by long-standing Barossa grape-growing families. Fruit from vineyards situated across different Barossa subregions contributes complexity, depth and a faithful representation of the wider region. The wine is handmade using traditional equipment, including the basket press from which the label takes its name. Rockford’s established Basket Press method includes maturation in seasoned American and French oak casks for approximately two years, allowing the fruit and oak to develop without an excessive new-oak influence. Decanter has also documented the label’s historic reliance on old, unirrigated vineyards and numerous growers throughout the middle and northern Barossa Valley.

The 2000 release came from a warmer Barossa season, yet critic Jeremy Oliver found that the wine retained balance without displaying overt overripeness. Now fully mature, it presents a complex combination of red berries, cherries, cassis and plum alongside cedar, vanilla, leather, liquorice, clove and earthy bottle-aged nuances. The palate is soft and creamy, becoming increasingly fine and silky as it moves toward the finish. Wine Spectator additionally identified ripe black cherry, coffee, smoke, meat and mint within its full-bodied profile. The 1.5L magnum format gives this mature Australian classic an impressive and highly collectible presentation. As with any wine of this age, its current condition and development will depend heavily upon cork integrity, storage history and provenance.

Tasting Notes
NOSE
– Mature and savoury
Red cherries, cassis, ripe plum, old leather, dusty cedar, vanilla oak and subtle mint.

PALATE
– Soft and richly layered
Dark cherry, plum, liquorice, clove, coffee and earthy complexity with a creamy, silky texture.

FINISH
– Long and harmonious
Lingering dark fruit, mint, cedar, coffee and fine, mature tannins. 

Reviews & Accolades
“Traditional warmer year Barossa red developing more quickly than most under this label, but without a hint of over-ripeness.” — Jeremy Oliver, Oliver’s Wines, 93 Points 

“Big, ripe, rangy and solid, with smoky, meaty black cherry and coffee flavors, echoing enticing mint notes on the long, harmonious finish.” — Wine Spectator, 92 Points

Finer Details:
Style – Red Wine
Varietal – Shiraz
Country – Australia
Region – South Australia, Barossa Valley
Vintage – 2000
Bottle Size – 1.5L Magnum
ABV – 13.5%