Drawing inspiration from the Rhone Valley in France, this is a fruity, savoury palated wine that shows ripe black berries and plums on the nose, together with hints of savouriness. The mouthfeel is full, dark fruited and talcy with plenty of fleshy berry flavours, evident tannins, licks of dark chocolate and meatiness, and a juicy, savoury-edged finish.

Rockford needs no introduction, although most of the plaudits go to their red wines. This tawny is a fitting tribute to founder Robert O’Callaghan’s restored 1897 Paddle Steamer Marion; with the very old base wine being refreshed each year with small casks as they reach maturity. The result is packed with gentle dark fruit and dried/caramelized fruit notes and lots of baking spice complexity. You can happily leave an open bottle in a dark place to sip over the course of a few months, though we find it tends to disappear pretty quickly. The dark horse of the Rockford range.

While many seek out the Basket Press Shiraz, it would be a disservice to ignore this opulent and concentrated Barossa Cabernet from Rockford. The Rifle Range actually has a lovely elegant and structured bent to it, some real class. A core of blackcurrant that is complimented by savour touches that lift the wine to some extraordinary levels.