Halliday Wine Companion (95)

Crafted in the Barossa Valley, the Rockford Basket Press Shiraz 2009 exemplifies Australia's quintessential wine-making prowess. Its grapes are harvested from old, dry-grown Barossa vineyards and, going beyond the norm, hand-picked by local growers. The heritage technique of basket pressing employed in producing this vintage is a painstaking Rockford tradition, yielding a refined intensity that distinguishes it from its contemporaries.

A favourable 2009 vintage lent it a profound depth and complexity, with a mature nose of plum, blackberry, and spice interlaced with hints of mocha and vanilla. Bedecked in brooding purple, this Shiraz stands out for its sensuous mouthfeel, presenting a symphony of dark fruit notes expertly balanced with nuances of oak and a delightfully long finish.

Aged to perfection, this liquid treasure by Rockford, an iconic boutique winery, encapsulates their commitment to maintaining the integrity of regional and varietal characters. A treat for the discerning oenophile, the Rockford Basket Press Shiraz 2009 is a delectable testament to traditional winemaking at its finest.

Delighting the palate with elegance and class, the Rockford Rifle Range Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 exudes craftsmanship only found in esteemed Australian wineries. This superb wine is meticulously produced in the Barossa Valley, an internationally recognised region celebrated for creating exquisite Cabernet Sauvignon. Rockford, the producer, is renowned for preserving traditional winemaking methods, established over generations.

The 2019 vintage is a masterful blend of intensity and refinement. Its captivating bouquet carries the alluring scent of blackberries, complemented by a delicate hint of forest floor. The palate is rewarded with a rich, complex array of ripe fruit flavours, underscored with subtle oak. A meticulous balance of tannins ushers in a persistent finish, meriting the expert craftsmanship that defines Rockford wines.

For connoisseurs in search of genuine quality and authenticity, look no further than the Rockford Rifle Range Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, a tribute to the timeless art of winemaking.

The Rockford Rod & Spur Shiraz Cabernet 2019 is an exquisite blend, hailing from the esteemed Rockford winery nestled in South Australia's iconic Barossa Valley. This remarkable wine showcases the perfect marriage of Shiraz's hearty spice with the strength and structure of Cabernet Sauvignon. Produced through traditional basket pressing, the Rockford Rod & Spur Shiraz Cabernet 2019 highlights the winemakers' commitment to preserving artisan winemaking methods. Its luscious palate exhibits abundant ripe blackcurrant, plum, and hints of chocolate with an elegantly spiced finish, revealing layer after layer of intense, complex flavours. Rockford’s dedication to quality and respect for time-honoured techniques results in an exemplary wine, reflective of its authentic Barossa roots – making the Rockford Rod & Spur Shiraz Cabernet 2019 a must-have for any serious collector or those seeking the decadent indulgence of a truly premium South Australian wine.