Rockford Basket Press 2005

The Rockford Basket Press Shiraz from the 2005 vintage is an exceptional wine that showcases a powerful and captivating character. In terms of appearance, it displays a deep ruby hue with a garnet rim, indicating maturity. The nose reveals a complex blend of black fruits, chocolate, eucalyptus, smoked meat, and a subtle hint of coffee. On the palate, the wine unfolds with layers of flavors, starting with notes of vanilla and liquorice that seamlessly merge into a tapestry of black fruits. The finish leaves a refreshing minty sensation. The tannins are velvety, demonstrating a well-integrated structure. With a medium to full body, the wine maintains a harmonious balance, thanks to the just-right amount of acidity. The aftertaste is characterized by a lingering and creamy essence of black fruit and vanilla, exhibiting excellent length. Overall, this wine provides a great pleasure to drink, delivering a fulfilling experience. While it still has some years ahead of it, it is already drinking beautifully at present. Given time to open up in the glass over an hour, it reveals its full potential and allure.

Very dark in colour with aromas of dark fruit, plum pudding, earth, dark chocolate and a little rosy vanilla oak. A deep brooding wine. On the palate dark fruit and some brighter raspberry flavours with leather, dark chocolate, earth and tasteful vanilla oak in support. Still quite tight and backwards with a lovely spread of fine tannin and fresh balanced acidity. Feels good and smooth and long. An excellent basket press and almost certainly a sleeper. – Gary Walsh, Wine Front, 95 points