Product Information:
James Halliday calls the 2012 a, 'superb example of Barossa cabernet'. Dense dark fruits, milky chocolate, remnants of once rosy perfume is dusty cocoa, leather and a smattering of dried herbs come to the fore. A powerful red, still bursting with redolent dark fruits, with a mesmerisingly nuanced texture and satisfying weight. Breath-taking stuff.
The love of bore target shooting, was one of the many European traditions that the first settles brought to the Barossa. Of course the wine, food, and fun that ensued was an important part of early Barossan social life. Rifle Range Road which runs parallel to Krondorf Road, in the heart of the Valley Floor and winds its way up the hills to Kaiser Stuhl National Park. While the old rifle range is long gone, the farming land and vineyards that have always been part of the landscape are still there. Because most of Rockford's Cabernet Sauvignon comes from vineyards adjacent to Rifle Range Road, it was the most appropriate name for this wine which has been part of Rockford since the very beginning.
Made using traditional winemaking techniques. By aging the wine in large, seasoned oak vats (4500 litres) and hogsheads (300 litres) for two years this allowed the wine to marry flavours, colour, while retaining good tannin structure. A big Aussie claret built for the distance.
Maker:
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 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 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.
Nose - Blackberry, Terracotta, Dark Chocolate
Fresh Black fruits, dried currants, sage, leather and dusty earth notes.
Palate - Blackberry, Blackcurrant, Textured
Precision power. Flavours of blackberry, cassis, dust and dark chocolate build towards a twisting finale.
Finish - Cocoa, Leather, Dried Herbs
It feels and tastes terrific but the curling linger of flavour through the finish is of particular note, and is particularly exquisite.
Superb example of Barossa cabernet. Balanced, ripe, generous and yet honed and persistent. Precision power. Flavours of blackberry, cassis, dust and dark chocolate build towards a twisting finale. - James Halliday Wine Companion, 97 Points (2015)
Barossa cabernet, the 2012 vintage, and the Rockford winery. All have combined beautifully here. Class act from the first drop to the last. Tremendously well balanced, fruited, structured and textured. Smooth blackberry and blackcurrant, dried herbs, chocolate and dust notes. It feels and tastes terrific but the curling linger of flavour through the finish is of particular note, and is particularly exquisite. As good as perfect. - Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front, 96 Points.
The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Cabernet Sauvignon
Country - Australia
Region - Barossa Valley, South Australia
9Vintage - 2012
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14.5%
Closure - Cork
