Rockford Moppa Springs Grenache Mataro Shiraz 2021

Product Information: This wine highlights the suitability of Grenache, Mataro and Shiraz to some of the driest regions in the Barossa. The fruit is forked into our 1880’s wooden Bagshaw de-stemmer before fermenting in open slate tanks. Our 1890’s Robinson Basket Press slowly squeezes the remaining juice from the grapes, before the individual components are left to mature in seasoned oak casks. When the final blend comes together, layers of soft, savoury, spicy flavours are emerging and will continue to develop with a handful more years in bottle Moppa Springs, Ebenezer and Kalimna are some of the driest areas in the Barossa, where green vines grow on one side of the fence and ripened wheat on the other. These challenging conditions of cold, wet and frosty pruning, followed by hot, dry and dusty harvest, are what make Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro thrive and give their best. These varieties, along with the families who have grown them for over 150 years, have earned the right to represent the Barossa in this blend, having survived when others could not. Rockford has maintained the Barossa tradition by crushing the grapes through the Bagshaw crusher, fermenting them in open slate tanks, pressing them through baskets, and softening the wine through maturation in large vats and seasoned hogsheads. By bottle-aging the wine for two to three years, it will have a chance to fully showcase its Barossa birth right. Maker: Discover the essence of Barossa Valley’s heart in Tanunda at Rockford, where a legacy of tantalising taste experiences has been crafted since the 1980s. During those times, the land was more accessible, offering an inviting opportunity for aspiring winemakers to thrive. Robert O’Callaghan, the visionary founder and proprietor, seized the moment and acquired the property that is now home to Rockford. Building strong connections with local grape growers and acquiring top-notch winemaking equipment, Robert embarked on his remarkable winemaking odyssey at Rockford, paving the way for unforgettable wine journeys. Since its inception, Rockford has embraced a small-scale approach, nurturing close relationships with growers and forging genuine connections with customers. This steadfast commitment to personal connections sets Rockford apart, a competitive edge that stems from decades of fostering rapport within the local community. The land upon which Rockford stands boasts a rich history, its buildings and equipment carefully preserved throughout the years, exuding an enchanting antique charm. During the exploration of the premises, the captivating aroma of wine production permeates the air, immersing individuals in a sensory experience that harmoniously blends with the site’s distinctive ambiance. Amidst the allure of Rockford’s surroundings, the wines themselves take centre stage. Crafted with passion and meticulous attention to detail, they encapsulate the essence of Barossa Valley’s terroir. Each sip unveils a delightful flavour profile, a testament to Rockford’s dedication to producing wines that captivate the palate and evoke a genuine sense of pleasure. Vineyard: In addition to the small home vineyard, Rockford works in partnership with several independent wine growers around Barossa, with vineyards in Kalimna, Ebenezer, Moppa Springs, the Eden Valley and Vine Vale Barossa. This gives Rockford a wide variety of soil types, mesoclimates and altitudes for its grapes. Many of the vines are planted on their own rootstocks and range up to 130 years old, giving intense, concentrated grapes, and wines with the same attributes. Winemaking is largely traditional, using basket presses, open-topped slate fermenters and a 1880s petrol-driven Bagshaw destemmer/crusher. Nose – Toffee, Mint, Blackberry Quite some toffee/caramel richness here, mint, raspberry and blackberry, some liquorice too. Palate – Dark Fruits, Chocolatey, Earth It’s full of flavour, maybe a baked, almost a Basque cheesecake character (don’t mind me), sooty tannin, a little earthy. Finish – Silty Tannin, Dried Fruits, Dried Berbs A dry finish of rich dried fruit and a handful of aromatic herbs. (2020) Quite some toffee/caramel richness here, mint, raspberry and blackberry, some liquorice too. It’s full of flavour, maybe a baked, almost a Basque cheesecake character (don’t mind me), sooty tannin, a little earthy too, with a dry finish of rich dried fruit and a handful of aromatic herbs. It feels warmer than its stated alcohol content, though that’s not unusual. Has character and impact, though maybe best consumed as a younger wine. – Gary Walsh, The Wine Front. The Finer Details Style – Red Wine Varietal – Grenache, Mataro, Shiraz Country – Australia Region – Barossa Valley, South Australia Vintage –