Product Information:
The tenacity of the Grenache grape ensured it survived the ravages of time and weather in the Barossa, known for its dry summers. So says Rob O’Callaghan, Rockford’s founder. 2018 Barossa vintage will be one to savour, characterised by heat waves, capped with timely rains. The vintage wrapped up at the end of April, with grape growers and winemakers happy with a high-quality vintage and good yields. Flavours and colours in reds are wonderful, Grenache and Shiraz showing particular promise - powerful, complexed and finessed.
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.
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 Vine Vale 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.
2018 Barossa vintage one to savour. The vintage wrapped up at the end of April, with grape growers and winemakers happy with a high-quality vintage and good yields. “Flavours and colours in reds are wonderful," said Yalumba head of winemaking Louisa Rose. The Barossa Valley was affected by some protracted hot weather in January and February, causing the vines to shut down, and it took time for ripening to pick up the pace after the conclusion of the heatwaves in early March. Once it did, the second half of March and through to the end of April provided perfect ripening conditions, with shiraz and grenache showing particular promise, with great colour and flavour.
Nose - Mixed Spice, Forest Leaf-litter, Cherry liqueur
The colour is a deep-ish ruby with faint purple tints still evident, and there’s an intense and complex bouquet with mixed spice, licorice, liqueur cherry aromas overlaid with dried herbs and forest leaf-litter.
Palate - Supple, Balanced Acids, Plush Red Fruits
It’s medium-bodied, supple and soft, distinct dried rose thing through red fruits, acidity is settled, and the impression is of reclining in comfort in an old leather chair.
Finish - Long, Supple Tannins, Dried Roses
The finish nice and long and caresses with fine, supple tannins.
The colour is a deep-ish ruby with faint purple tints still evident, and there’s an intense and complex bouquet with mixed spice, licorice, liqueur cherry aromas overlaid with dried herbs and forest leaf-litter. In the mouth it’s rich and full-bodied, with a lovely dollop of fruit sweetness at its heart, and a lingering finish that caresses with fine, supple tannins. A very Aussie grenache and a lovely glass of wine, its five years of age a bonus. - Huon Hooke, The Real Review, 95 Points.
It was a good year for Grenache in the Barossa. It smells so ‘Rockford’, is my first impression. Raspberry, rosehip, a maturing new leather and walnut character, a little cedar, mint and spice. It’s medium-bodied, supple and soft, distinct dried rose thing through red fruits, acidity is settled, and the impression is of reclining in comfort in an old leather chair, the finish nice and long with some light grainy tannin grip. It’s 93 or 94 points, though I’ll go with the latter as the wine has a distinctive character. - Gary Walsh, The Wine Front.
The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Grenache
Country - Australia
Region - Barossa Valley, South Australia
Vintage - 2018
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14.1%
