Rockford Basket Press Shiraz has garnered a unique and cult following over its lifetime. With its 'old school' brown glass bottle and traditional label, Rockford Basket Press is one for the traditionalists. Big, bold and upfront fruit with all the lashings of chocolate, coffee bean and Christmas cake all have come to adore.

The Rockford Eden Valley Riesling 2023 is a testament to the unique terroir of the Eden Valley, high in the Barossa Ranges. This region, punctuated by ancient Red Gums and shallow, rocky soils, produces Riesling with remarkable mineral purity. The vine roots push through cracks in the submerged rock in search of water and scarce nutrients, resulting in a wine that reflects the power and character of the land. Rockford’s commitment to quality shines through in this wine. The 2023 vintage is crafted with complexity, palate weight, and softness, which are achieved by allowing the wine to age in the cellar for one or two years before release. The resulting Riesling offers a balance of fresh fruit and honeyed richness, with a subtle chalky grip and a finish laced with lime, pear, and honey. As noted by Gary Walsh from The Wine Front, it is a flavoursome and generous wine that should be enjoyed young but can also develop further with careful aging. Rockford Wines is a beloved name in the Barossa Valley, founded by Robert O'Callaghan in the 1980s. Known for its commitment to traditional winemaking methods and small-scale, hands-on practices, Rockford has become synonymous with quality and craftsmanship. The winery was established with a vision to preserve the best of the traditional Australian wine trade while fostering strong relationships with local growers. Robert’s deep connections with the community and his emphasis on personal relationships with grape growers have helped Rockford remain a leader in the Barossa Valley. The winery's commitment to using time-honoured methods, such as basket pressing and open-topped slate fermenters, ensures that each wine reflects the unique terroir of the Barossa. Rockford's wines are crafted with passion and precision, capturing the true essence of the region in every bottle. At Rockford, winemaking is about more than just producing exceptional wine—it's about connection, community, and tradition. The winery’s philosophy revolves around embracing the region’s rich history while looking forward to a sustainable future. Rockford works closely with independent grape growers in various Barossa subregions, ensuring that each vineyard’s unique soil, climate, and altitude contribute to the distinct characteristics of their wines. This dedication to traditional winemaking methods—using tools and techniques passed down through generations—ensures that each bottle of Rockford wine is a true expression of the Barossa terroir. With a focus on small-scale production, Rockford continues to create wines that are as much about the people behind the bottle as the land from which they come. NOSE Chamomile, Honey, Lime The nose is complex and inviting, with aromas of chamomile and delicate floral notes. A hint of honey adds richness, while lime and yuzu provide a fresh, zesty edge that draws you in. PALATE Pineapple, Pear, Dried Dates The palate is full of generous, ripe fruit flavours, including fresh pineapple, pear, and dried dates. The wine has a wonderful balance of richness and freshness, with subtle notes of lavender and a hint of chalky grip that adds texture. FINISH Long, Lime, Honey The finish is long and harmonious, with the lime and honey notes lingering delicately on the palate, making for a refreshing and satisfying conclusion.

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.

Product Information: On one special day each year, the Rockford rescue their friends from their toil in the restaurant and retail trade of Adelaide. Rockford, the legends they are, prise them from thick white linen and smoky kitchens, arm them with "der schnipses" and send them out into the sunshine to pick the Cabernet Sauvignon from the one and a half acre of Home Block. By the time the grapes get to the vintage shed they have been washed by the tears and blood of some very highly skilled chefs and waiters. Of course, it's not all 'hard work'. As a reward their efforts, Rockford sit the crew down to a big Barossa lunch and a few bottles of Rockford's best, then gather to watch the harvest go through the Bagshaw crusher - yes, the same one they use for the fabled Rockford Basket Press Shiraz. After open vat fermentation and being basket pressed, the wine is aged in seasoned French oak hogsheads and large vats for three years. This allows the tannins to soften, colours and flavours to consolidate and achieves a deeply varietal wine that is soft and generous. With a track record of ageing comfortably for 8-10+ years from release, this is a terrific wine for the cellar or share at a big table. Maker: Discover the essence of Barossa Valley's heart in Tanunda at Rockford, where a legacy of tantalizing 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 2017, 1250 Magnums of Home Block Cabernet Sauvignon were produced from the small home vineyard. Winemaking is largely traditional, using basket presses, open-topped slate fermenters and a 1880s petrol-driven Bagshaw destemmer/crusher. Nose - Dark Fruits, Truffle, Leafy Underbrush There are tomato-bush and leafy underbrush aromas. Palate - Deep Plum, Blackcurrants, Bramble The palate's sinewy and lean, forward and quite approachable. Finish - Dried Herbs, Chocolate, Plush Tannin Good structure, lovely sweet/ripe cabernet fruit intensity, lingering chocolatey finish with dried herb accents.

Barossa Valley legends, Rockford, tend their hand here to producing one of the world's unique wine styles, a sparkling Shiraz. Inspired by a sparkling Burgundy Rocky O'Callaghan found in his father's cellar at Seppelt when he was a child and when working with Colin Preece in Rutherglen, the man who responsible for the grand style. Rockford take this truly Australian wine to a new height with the 2011 discorged Black Shiraz that will live for quite sometime in your cellar and will reward those in spades who have the patience.

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.