Rockford Shiraz VP 2018
Rockford Wines is a renowned wine producer located in the iconic Barossa Valley of Australia. Established in the early 1980s by Robert O'Callaghan, it has gained recognition as one of the most distinguished wineries in Australia, producing premium Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon wines. O'Callaghan commenced his career as a trainee winemaker in 1965 at Seppelt in Rutherglen, Victoria. In 1971, he relocated to the Barossa and acquired two hectares (five acres) of land beneath the Barossa ranges, where he planted vines and built a winery in the style of the 1850s stone cottage. Rockford's first vintage was released in 1984. Rockford's commitment to producing exceptional wines involves working in partnership with several independent wine growers around the Barossa region. Many of the vines are planted on their own rootstocks and are up to 130 years old, resulting in intense, concentrated grapes and wines with the same attributes. The winemaking process at Rockford is largely traditional, utilizing basket presses, open-topped slate fermenters and a 1880s petrol-driven Bagshaw destemmer/crusher.
The Barossa is a wine region in South Australia named after an English victory in the Spanish Peninsular War. It has two sub-regions, the Eden Valley and the Barossa Valley floor. The area experiences a warm Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and low rainfall, and is characterized by rich brown soils and alluvial sands. The Barossa is home to Australia's largest concentration of old-vine Shiraz, Grenache and Mourvedre, with many vineyards dating back over a century, making it a popular destination for wine enthusiasts. The Barossa Valley is a world-renowned wine producing area, home to over 150 wineries and 80 cellar doors. It is distinguished by its rich reds and fortified wines. Interestingly, the region is also home to the world's oldest continuously producing vines of Shiraz, Grenache, Mataro, Cabernet sauvignon and Semillon. These vines are a testament to the region's long-standing history and expertise in winemaking.
The Rockford Shiraz VP 2018 is a wine that is made from a special corner of the Kleinig Family Shiraz vineyard in Moppa, which ripens late in the season. The fermenting juice was fortified with a twenty-four-year-old, wood-aged brandy spirit before being aged for 12 months in a large seasoned oak vat. With time, the wine will develop greater complexity, making it an excellent choice for ageing. Rockford Shiraz VP 2018 has flavours of fruitcake, liquorice, chocolate, and nutmeg, making it delicious to have now. However, as it ages, it will likely turn into an even more sweet elixir, making it a perfect choice for those who appreciate the depth and complexity of aged wines.
The Finer Details
Style - Fortified Red Wine
Varietal - Shiraz
Country - Australia
Region - Barossa Valley, South Australia
Vintage - 2018
Bottle Size - 500ml
ABV - 18.4%