ROCKFORD Sparkling Black Shiraz - Barossa Valley Bottle

Description

Rockford Sparkling Black Shiraz is a standout sparkling wine from the Barossa Valley, awarded 94 points by James Suckling. This unique cuvée spends 9 to 12 months on tirage and is crafted from a mother blend dating back to 1978, with one-third bottled each year and topped with the current vintage. The wine presents a fascinating tarry nose filled with fresh blackberries and dark plums, enticing the senses. On the palate, it offers a smooth, creamy texture, complemented by a dark chocolate-infused finish. The well-balanced core enhances its complexity, making it delicious to drink now while also promising excellent aging potential. Ideal for special occasions, this sparkling Shiraz is perfect for enjoying over the next decade.

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JAMES SUCKLING 94 points
Spending between 9-12 months on tirage, this is based on a mother blend that dates back to 1978 and is one-third bottled each year and topped up with the current vintage. The Rockford VP forms the basis of the dosage liqueur. This has such a tarry nose with a wealth of fresh and attractive blackberries and dark plums on offer, and delivers a smooth, creamy, dark chocolate infused finish. There’s a very balanced core in play here. Disgorged in 2017. Delicious to drink now, but this really ages well. Try with 10-plus years aging on cork.

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Rockford Wines is a revered winery located in the Barossa Valley, South Australia, known for producing high-quality, traditional wines that exemplify the region's rich viticultural heritage. Established in 1984 by winemaker Robert O'Callaghan, Rockford is dedicated to crafting wines that reflect the character of the terroir, with a focus on varietals such as Shiraz, Grenache, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

The winery has gained a reputation for its commitment to traditional winemaking techniques, including open-top fermentation and the use of large, old oak barrels for maturation, which enhance the wines' complexity while allowing the fruit character to shine. Rockford’s iconic wines, including the celebrated Rockford Basket Press Shiraz, are known for their depth, rich fruit flavors, and balance, showcasing the power and elegance of Barossa Valley wines.

With a strong emphasis on sustainability and respect for the land, Rockford Wines has garnered acclaim from critics and wine enthusiasts alike, making it a standout choice for those seeking authentic Australian wines with a connection to tradition and place.