Rockford Basket Press Shiraz 2005
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 2005 vintage is an exceptional wine that showcases a powerful and captivating character. In terms of appearance, it displays a deep ruby hue with a garnet rim, indicating maturity. The nose reveals a complex blend of black fruits, chocolate, eucalyptus, smoked meat, and a subtle hint of coffee. On the palate, the wine unfolds with layers of flavors, starting with notes of vanilla and liquorice that seamlessly merge into a tapestry of black fruits. The finish leaves a refreshing minty sensation. The tannins are velvety, demonstrating a well-integrated structure. With a medium to full body, the wine maintains a harmonious balance, thanks to the just-right amount of acidity. The aftertaste is characterized by a lingering and creamy essence of black fruit and vanilla, exhibiting excellent length. Overall, this wine provides a great pleasure to drink, delivering a fulfilling experience. While it still has some years ahead of it, it is already drinking beautifully at present. Given time to open up in the glass over an hour, it reveals its full potential and allure.
Very dark in colour with aromas of dark fruit, plum pudding, earth, dark chocolate and a little rosy vanilla oak. A deep brooding wine. On the palate dark fruit and some brighter raspberry flavours with leather, dark chocolate, earth and tasteful vanilla oak in support. Still quite tight and backwards with a lovely spread of fine tannin and fresh balanced acidity. Feels good and smooth and long. An excellent basket press and almost certainly a sleeper. - Gary Walsh, Wine Front, 95 points
The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Shiraz
Country - Australia
Region - Barossa Valley, South Australia
Vintage - 2005
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14.5%