- Barossa Valley, SA - $56-$80
- Cork
- 14.5%alc
Passionately followed by many, Rockford is one of South Australia's most (loyal-) customer orientated wineries. Massive profit margins have never been too high on Rocky O'Callaghan's list of priorities, a point exemplified by his flagship Basket Press Shiraz selling for as little as $46 through cellar door as recently as the 2004 release (97pts). By some distance it's the cheapest wine ranked 'Exceptional' (the highest ranking) by Langton's Classification of Australian Wine IV.
Rich and essence-like on the nose, the 2007 Basket Press reveals currant influenced aromas of red plums, violets and cassis in a typically fruit focused, rather plush manner. Its palate is altogether more savoury and silky, with a nicely textured, bright and satiny underlay to a fruit component which borders on uneven (more over) ripeness, but it just stays within the lines enough, allowing the wine to finish long and even with pleasing mineral undertones.
O The 2007 isn't a standout Basket Press for me by any means, but on a more positive note, two of my less experienced wine drinking friends felt this was as good a wine as they've ever had. Drink to 2017.
91 points
p.s. I compiled this tasting note from a single glass I drunk at Adelaide's Shiki restaurant. I've substituted in a photo of the 2004 Basket Press from my own collection as a result of not photographing the 2007.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Chris P
I am one of the loyal - love this stuff and always buy as much as I can get my hands on. Enjoyed the cellar door too.
ReplyDeleteTC
do you know any shops that stock the 07 BP at the mo?
ReplyDeleteI have to agree Tim, the cellar door is a welcomed sight for wine thirsty tourists in the Barossa. I especially like how they openly display their very traditional winemaking equipment, and the seasonal greens they sell at cellar door are fantastic as well!
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Chris P
m ski11,
ReplyDeleteI know of a couple in Adelaide, so I hope you live here! If you listen to Halliday's writings it can be very hard to get retail anywhere else.
- The Ed at Mitcham had an allocation which I last saw in December ($75), whether or not they have any left I'm not sure.
- Cellarbrations at Flagstaff Hill DEFINITELY had some last friday (as I was in there), but it looked like they might be down to the their last dozen. Also $75 each, but the guys who run that store are champions and well worth a visit.
- A Cellarbrations employee told me the Blackwood store also received an allocation of Basket Press - haven't been in there but could be worth a look.
- And last but not least I have seen the Black Shiraz at some southern Adelaide Man Durphy's outlets recently , which I've been told were obtained through auctions. I've yet to see the Basket Press (especially not current vintage) but hey - could be an idea!
Your other best bets are definitely Melbourne St Fine Wine (North Adelaide), East End Cellars (off Rundle St) and the National Wine Centre, which actually tends to stock Basket Press most years.
Thanks for dropping by m ski11!
Chris P
I love this wine although it's impossible to get in the UK so i had to go for one by Bob Berton from Riverina. His Black Shiraz is outstanding and one of the biggest selling reds in the UK. You should check it out at http://www.wineman.co.uk/brand/berton-vineyards-wines
ReplyDelete