This is a wine that made me smile.....

Here are only short impressions from memory. But I am deeply impressed by this australian Shiraz.

1996 Rockford, Shiraz Basket Press, Barossa Valley, Australia
Besides “Grange”, the best Australian wine I have ever tasted. Decanted 2-3h before. Black fruits, spice, eucalyptus, roses, fine grained tannins and with a lovely silky structure. Not opulent, broad or alcoholic, instead showed elegance and great length. This is a wine that made me smile........ BRAVO
93-94pts.

Label: http://www.snakvin.com/foto/albums/user ... MG8400.JPG

[David M. Bueker]

I might have to track down some of this wine (though likely not the '96). If it makes a fellow Riesling fan smile I might actually like it.

What does Basket Press mean?

I might have to track down some of this wine (though likely not the '96). If it makes a fellow Riesling fan smile I might actually like it.

David,

here we have not the average Barossa Bomb. Very sublime stuff and I am shure you will like it.

BTW, I found the the difference of 07 Leitz "Berg Rottland" Alte Reben and 07 Leitz "Berg Rottland" Alte Reben Goldkapsel besides price. 12% vs. 14%

Here another TN from a matured version......

01/02 Rockford Basket Press 1992
14.5%abv. Medium purple. Sensationally mature earthy and cedar nose. Magnificent mature palate showing on this wine with softening blueberry fruit, tarry elements, classy cedar oak, undergrowth, spice and older cigars and bay leaf with a seamless textured finish. This wine, is at last, revealing its secrets and sums up a magnificent mature Barossa which is not a fruit bomb. Excellent and well worth the wait. These old Rockfords should be kept a secret and it should hold for a while. Roll on my '91s and '96s! (Phil Wilkins, UK)

What does Basket Press mean?

Here is an article.

http://www.winebusiness.com/ReferenceLi ... taId=37549

Cheers,
Martin

Here some photos, also from the old basket press.

http://www.wineanorak.com/barossa/new_b ... ckford.htm

What does Basket Press mean?

Here is an article.

http://www.winebusiness.com/ReferenceLi ... taId=37549

Cheers,
Martin

I figured it was something like that, but was wondering.

David,

maybe you´re looking for other vintages of this wine. Here is an interesting comment from Mark Carrington:

"Whilst I'm loathe to follow suit & praise Rockford in case other people spot this thread..... the BP Shiraz is a brilliant wine.
The '96 is outstanding & the individual vineyard/special bottlings are extra special.
I reckon the the wine will age 20 years comfortably, for most vintages.
'98 is top stuff. The '02 is meant to stunning, but I never got my hands on any. '03 is worth buying, but it comes from a really hot vintage - as anyone who was in town for the four yearly cricket thumping knows.
The friendliest welcome of any Aussie vineyard, but stand your ground & decline all offers for their sparkling Shiraz."

[David M. Bueker]

"stand your ground & decline all offers for their sparkling Shiraz."

Words to live by.

[Jenise]

The friendliest welcome of any Aussie vineyard, but stand your ground & decline all offers for their sparkling Shiraz."

Been there, and can second both halves of that statement. Also, the place was crawling with cats--always a good sign in my book.