Rockford Basket Press Shiraz 2020 (1pk)

The basket press is a traditional winemaking technique that gently extracts juice without crushing seeds or stems, resulting in softer tannins and more elegant fruit expression. This old-world method, favoured by Rockford, allows the Shiraz grapes to retain their natural structure while developing the complex herb and spice characteristics that define premium Barossa Valley wines. The gentle pressing contributes to the wine's remarkable balance of power and finesse.

The 2020 vintage in Barossa Valley was marked by ideal ripening conditions that produced wines with exceptional concentration and balance. This particular vintage showcases the perfect marriage of ripe red fruit flavours with the region's signature earthy complexity, earning it a remarkable 96-point rating from Huon Hooke. The vintage's success is evident in the wine's ability to be both powerful and approachable in its youth, suggesting excellent cellaring potential.

This rich, full-bodied Shiraz with its raspberry and red cherry core, complemented by earthy and herbal notes, pairs beautifully with robust dishes like slow-cooked lamb with rosemary, grilled ribeye steak, or aged hard cheeses. The wine's mulberry characteristics and fine tannin structure also make it an excellent match for game meats or rich pasta dishes with mushroom-based sauces. The cedar and mint undertones provide versatility for both traditional Australian barbecue and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.

The 96-point rating from Huon Hooke reflects the wine's exceptional balance of concentration and elegance, a hallmark of masterful Barossa Shiraz production. The complex bouquet combining concentrated red fruits with subtle cedar and wild herb notes demonstrates the sophisticated winemaking approach that Rockford is renowned for. This recognition, combined with Rockford's Five Red Star Halliday rating, positions this wine among Australia's finest Shiraz expressions.

While this Shiraz is described as approachable already due to its fruit sweetness and supple tannins, its concentrated structure and fine tannin foundation suggest excellent cellaring potential of 10-15 years. The wine will continue to develop complexity as the earthy and herbal characteristics integrate further with the fruit core. For optimal enjoyment, consider drinking it now for its vibrant fruit expression, or cellar it for 3-5 years to allow the cedar and mint notes to become more pronounced.