Rockford Basket Press Shiraz 2002

The Rockford Basket Press Shiraz from the 2002 vintage is an outstanding wine that exemplifies the best of Barossa. Its appearance retains a deep purple/ruby color with only subtle signs of aging. On the nose, it displays explosive aromatics, accompanied by a level of refinement and freshness that is not commonly found in the Barossa Valley. On the palate, it delivers robust fruit flavors that are well-integrated and rich, with a luscious jammy quality. The wine maintains its elegance and remains as spectacular as ever. While it can easily continue to age for another 5 years, it is currently at its peak drinking stage. The savory sweet fruit profile is accompanied by a rich and chewy texture. The tannins have softened, and the oak integration is seamless. Pleasant fruit notes, earthy undertones, and hints of eucalyptus mingle harmoniously with the integrated wood and tannins. The wine offers a nice length and a well-rounded character. Its high viscosity is notable. The palate reveals explosive flavors of jammy black fruits such as black cherries and elderberries, complemented by touches of tart raspberries, tobacco, leather, mint, and meaty notes. There is also a distinct dark mineral nuance. Despite its full-bodied nature, the wine maintains impeccable balance, with the high alcohol content harmoniously concealed beneath the freshness and abundance of fruit. It retains a medium level of acidity and tannins, creating a cohesive and harmonious experience. The finish is long, showcasing plenty of freshness.

Medium-bodied; classic exercise in restraint; an array of black fruits on a long palate; fine, savoury tannins; minimal oak. - James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion, 94 points 

A crisp, elegant, refreshing style of Shiraz made from 60- to 140-year-old vines, the 2002 vintage, according to winemaker Chris Ringland, produced wines of elegance and crisp acidity because of the long growing season. This fresh, lively yet seriously concentrated effort needs another 2-3 years of bottle age, and should drink well for two decades. Drink 2007-2025. - Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, 92 points 

Dark ruby color. Huge bouquet of smoky, almost jammy blackberry and black cherry liqueur and cured meat, with intriguing suggestions of dried rose and violet. Fresh and silky, with medium weight and vibrant red and dark berry flavors that expand and sweeten with air. Finishes with terrific energy and lift, picking up some fruity black pepper, baking spice and fresh floral notes that linger tenaciously - Vinous