I used to travel from Oxford to London just to buy Rockford’s Basket Press Shiraz. If only I hadn’t wasted my time and money ageing them. This wine is a bit more junior in Rockford’s range than the Shiraz. It is 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Shiraz.
Barossa Valley Rod and Spur 2002, Rockford Wines
A very Porty, stewed nose of blackcurrants, blueberries and leather. It is really quite hot and alcoholic. The palate is really dense and heavy, quite tannic too. There is plenty of over ripe fruit on the palate, and alcohol sweetness, but it is all a bit one-dimensional. I suppose there is a degree of severity to the tannins, but the lack of acidity and over-ripe fruit suggest this is not for ageing. It is certainly well made, and a reasonable drink, shame it is quite dull.
