Rockford Sparkling Black Shiraz

[Croquet King]

I was wondering how this wine is made.

It has the disgorged year on it but nothing else.
I'm guessing the base wine might be a blend of years.
Does anyone know how long it's generally kept before disgorgement by Rockford?

[Mike Hawkins]

From memory a big whack of it is based on 3 vintages prior

[Redav]

According to the label and the Rockford Rag, four years. It's matured in seasoned oak for three, on lees for one and put back in the cellar for some bottle age.

[Redav]

Incidentally, how long do people cell cellar this for? I have a 2011 and CT lists a drinking window of immediate 2013 to 2019. I had thought to give it 10 years (so 2021) until a bit of reading explained it's disgorgement date so maybe the average date + 10 years might be 2017 - 2018. But then Robert's mentioned that they've aged it a little (mainly to let it settle down) and that's all it 'needs'. So I'm wondering when to consume?

We had one younger (I think that was only two years ago) and unfortunately we're not big on bubbles in general but people rave about it and so I'm keen on seeing if it's developed further but then I don't want to crack it too soon for not much to have happened nor wait too long.

[Mike Hawkins]

I've drunk most of my stash of pre-2006 releases in recent months and they were all travelling well. I like them most about 5 years after purchase

[Ozzie W]

I'm planning to open a 2005 vintage over the XMas/New Year period. CT lists drinking window as 2008-2013, but a tasting note from July this year says it's still in great condition and will go another 4-6 years.

[Mike Hawkins]

I'm planning to open a 2005 vintage over the XMas/New Year period. CT lists drinking window as 2008-2013, but a tasting note from July this year says it's still in great condition and will go another 4-6 years.

Definitely if well stored

[Josh]

What is the best way to serve this one? slightly chilled?

[Mike Hawkins]

What is the best way to serve this one? slightly chilled?

I like it most 20 mins after taking it out of the fridge

[Redwine&Rum]

Yeah if its too cold, it's slightly muted. Agree with Mike. It opens up a little better after taking it out of the fridge for 20-30 minutes.

[Josh]

Thanks for the advice!

[George Krashos]

I'm planning to open a 2005 vintage over the XMas/New Year period. CT lists drinking window as 2008-2013, but a tasting note from July this year says it's still in great condition and will go another 4-6 years.

Definitely if well stored

Had one on the weekend. Travelling well and a lovely drink.

-- George Krashos