Rockford time of year again.......

[rednut]

Well its Stonewaller time of year again.
I've been waiting patiently and it arrived today.
BP still $51 a bottle.

I'm doing a Stonewallers lunch for my birthday in a couple of weeks so I cant wait.
Will let you know the outcome.

[Wayno]

I have my doubts about the 07 bp to be honest. May be a touch less than usual this year. 'Frugal Farmer' a curious screwcapped addition to the mix.... Interesting choice of name from a marketing viewpoint.

[DaveB]

I went to the Stonewallers table a couple of weeks ago.....amazing food...Michael & Ali are spot on...hope you get the duck with Ballycroft cheese & smoked chipotle, green salsa and blue corn tortilla...sensational!!....the Garfish is also fantastic

Tried the '07's a little while back at a Sunday lunch with Ben....very nice...not as good as the '06 but it was a pretty difficult year....I presume quantities will be down quite a bit as yields were pretty low.

[bacchaebabe]

I agree the 07s probably won't be a stellar vintage. Probably like the 97 and 00 but I've been drinking both those lately and they are nothing to complain about. Earlier drinkers for sure but full bodied, round, plummy and yummy. Happy to have plenty more like this.

[Red Bigot]

I'm beginning to think I've reached the end of my Rockford era. I procrastinated too long and didn't buy any 2006 BP and when my mailer arrived today it didn't generate any great excitement. I gave up on the Black Shiraz a few years ago due to variability and cork issues, hated the crappy corks in the half-bottles of Cabernet I bought a few times and have had some mixed results with BP also. Nothing else on the list has ever really interested me. At $50 and up a wine really has to justify the price for me. I might do a vertical of Basket Press and then decide whether this is the end or not.

[AndrewCowley]

Silly question: How does one go about buying Rockford BP? Is it as simple as getting on Rockford's mailing list?

[Alex F]

This is what the cellar door told me last Friday:

get on mailing list, buy non BP/VP/Black shiraz for a few years, then you get upgraded to stonewallership...

Meh... they didn't have the 07 when I was there

[rens]

This is what the cellar door told me last Friday:

get on mailing list, buy non BP/VP/Black shiraz for a few years, then you get upgraded to stonewallership...

Meh... they didn't have the 07 when I was there

Interesting.....
So how much are they asking for it these days?

[Alex F]

51$ at cellar door.

The VP was 60 or 65$ iirc...

I didn't ask about the black shiraz...

[daz]

Slick marketing, Stonewaller exclusivity, appears to be essence of Rockford, the gloss seeming to dull a bit in recent years from my reading of the websites. Wendouree is another, amongst many, that play that tune so many dance to. I've never tried wine from either, would prefer to go to Turkey Flat or Teusner in the Barossa, any number of others in the Clare.

[bacchaebabe]

Actually Rockford has anything but slick marketing. They have barely even set up a web site although one is promised in the near future. They have two mailers a year, one being a lengthy mini mag written by Robert or anyone else he can get to contribute, sent in October, and the other just being the order form for wines still available around April / May. Wine is available by mail order only and you become a stonewaller by being a loyal purchaser for a few years. That loyalty is paid back in spades by a traditional winemaker passionate about his product, customers and growers. The wines are relative bargains and worth every cent. I for one am perfectly happy with the set up and buy a range of wines every year.

If you want to get on the mailing list, just ring up, have a chat and they'll put you on it. It will take a little longer to get the offer to become a stonewaller but everyone I know who aspired to it, has become one, some quicker than others. I guess it just depends what you buy and what sort of contact you have.

[Jay60A]

Slick marketing, Stonewaller exclusivity, appears to be essence of Rockford, the gloss seeming to dull a bit in recent years from my reading of the websites. Wendouree is another, amongst many, that play that tune so many dance to. I've never tried wine from either, would prefer to go to Turkey Flat or Teusner in the Barossa, any number of others in the Clare.

Gotta disagree with this since I live in the UK and just drink the wine. The BP is a great wine for a fraction above Turket Flat prices. 2004 magnificent and the 05 and 06 all garnered great reviews from the drinkers. I read the reputation of Basket Press as being on the rise still, greatly enhanced by the fact Parker never gave it huge points. Creating an exclusive image is hardly just Stonewallers, witness most of Bordeaux and get it into perspective, but drink what's in the bottle and you'll know why there are so many supporters.

[Bick]

Silly question: How does one go about buying Rockford BP? Is it as simple as getting on Rockford's mailing list?

Here's a method that works well in Auckland:
1. Go to local liquor shop
2. Find Rockford BP gathering dust on shelf
3. Purchase wine

[Wayno]

I have to put my hand up as a 'yes' on the Rockford side - whilst I have had a couple of variable BPs (00 and 03 particularly) in recent years, some of their stronger bottlings such as 96, 04 and 06 have been exemplary wines, full of character and class.

I disagree with Bacchaebabe to a certain extent in that I think Rockford has a strong marketing focus, just quite different to other wineries. It's a marketing approach that builds on a reputation that's been earned over a fairly long period and puts a focus on the customer - going to the Stonewaller Cellar is always quite special as you feel quite 'important' to be able to wander through a couple of back alleys and end up somewhere close to the heart of the complex in a nicely furnished, 'clubby' style room. This is not to say that some other wineries don't necessarily dole out similarly priced wines of similarly priced reputations at their 'standard' cellar door, but it's good not to have to barge your way through bus loads of tourists, tyre-kickers or bucks' shows.

The newsletter is a treat, ironically because it's so dense and seemingly unapproachable but the rambling nature really captures the spirit of the winery (or at least the way we're meant to interpret it). In this day and age of websites and Twitterfests, there are countless wineries who wouldn't dream of using such a hardcopy newsletter as their main means of engaging with their customers but it works exceptionally well. The latest copy has four full pages of novel-esque closely spaced type with no pictures (what a refreshing treat).

And finally, the Stonewaller lunches, none of which I have gotten to, sound brilliant and evidently good value for money. As always, it's one of those things I plan to do.... one of these days.

So I think their marketing is quite low-key but very powerful - they're not out to conquer the world, rather satisfy their clientele and make a reasonable profit in the process. Their marketing, for me, is a reflection of that approach.

All that said, I am a fan, but do take a cynical view sometimes as I think it is healthy to do. Their seeming ignorance to cork issues (read: Black Shiraz) is legendary by now and I doubt there are any other (reputable) wineries in Australia that bottle their Riesling under cork still.

At the end of it all though, there's the wine - I'm not over-the-moon about all of their range. In my opinion, the Black Shiraz is strong on reputation but is outmatched by others these days. The Semillon can be excellent but isn't always. The Rieslings I think, are hit and miss. The Alicante is too sweet and simple and the Moppa Springs is rustic. Goodness knows that the Frugal Farmer is like but of course i'm willing to give it a go.The Rod and Spur can be great, the Cabernet can be excellent (and I mean really excellent) and the Basket Press is mostly always very fine and that, by hook or by crook, is what I come back for year after year. It's a consistently excellent wine.

And lastly, surely their labels must be one of the prettiest in the country? If we're talking marketing, that could just about do it.

[Wayno]

Silly question: How does one go about buying Rockford BP? Is it as simple as getting on Rockford's mailing list?

Here's a method that works well in Auckland:
1. Go to local liquor shop
2. Find Rockford BP gathering dust on shelf
3. Purchase wine

Bloody silly Kiwis have got more Te Matas than common sense then.

[rens]

I have to put my hand up as a 'yes' on the Rockford side - whilst I have had a couple of variable BPs (00 and 03 particularly) in recent years, some of their stronger bottlings such as 96, 04 and 06 have been exemplary wines, full of character and class.

I disagree with Bacchaebabe to a certain extent in that I think Rockford has a strong marketing focus, just quite different to other wineries. It's a marketing approach that builds on a reputation that's been earned over a fairly long period and puts a focus on the customer - going to the Stonewaller Cellar is always quite special as you feel quite 'important' to be able to wander through a couple of back alleys and end up somewhere close to the heart of the complex in a nicely furnished, 'clubby' style room. This is not to say that some other wineries don't necessarily dole out similarly priced wines of similarly priced reputations at their 'standard' cellar door, but it's good not to have to barge your way through bus loads of tourists, tyre-kickers or bucks' shows.

The newsletter is a treat, ironically because it's so dense and seemingly unapproachable but the rambling nature really captures the spirit of the winery (or at least the way we're meant to interpret it). In this day and age of websites and Twitterfests, there are countless wineries who wouldn't dream of using such a hardcopy newsletter as their main means of engaging with their customers but it works exceptionally well. The latest copy has four full pages of novel-esque closely spaced type with no pictures (what a refreshing treat).

And finally, the Stonewaller lunches, none of which I have gotten to, sound brilliant and evidently good value for money. As always, it's one of those things I plan to do.... one of these days.

So I think their marketing is quite low-key but very powerful - they're not out to conquer the world, rather satisfy their clientele and make a reasonable profit in the process. Their marketing, for me, is a reflection of that approach.

All that said, I am a fan, but do take a cynical view sometimes as I think it is healthy to do. Their seeming ignorance to cork issues (read: Black Shiraz) is legendary by now and I doubt there are any other (reputable) wineries in Australia that bottles their Riesling under cork still.

At the end of it all though, there's the wine - I'm not over-the-moon about all of their range. In my opinion, the Black Shiraz is strong on reputation but is outmatched by others these days. The Semillon can be excellent but isn't always. The Rieslings I think, are hit and miss. The Alicante is too sweet and simple and the Moppa Springs is rustic. Goodness knows that the Frugal Farmer is like but of course i'm willing to give it a go.The Rod and Spur can be great, the Cabernet can be excellent (and like.. really excellent) and the Basket Press is mostly always very fine and that, by hook or by crook, is what I come back for year after year. It's a consistently excellent wine.

And lastly, surely their labels must be one of the prettiest in the country? If we're talking marketing, that could just about do it.

Thanks for your thoughts Wayno... A somewhat insperational insight into what wine means to you.

[Gary W]

Rockford are unequivocally one of the best and smartest marketers in the game.
GW

[Paullie]

Can anyone spare a few bottles from their quota?

[bacchaebabe]

I disagree with Bacchaebabe to a certain extent in that I think Rockford has a strong marketing focus,

Er, no, What I said was they had anything but SLICK marketing. I didn't say they had no marketing. Their marketing is clever and very focussed but it ain't slick.

And sorry Paullie, even Stonewallers can only buy 6 bottles of the Basket Press so there's not a lot of leeway to be generous. The mimits don't apply on most of the other wines though if you can find someone who lives near you. Although you should just be able to ring up and order most of the other wine and you can generally buy the Basket Press at the cellar door if you turn up in person, I think. However I think the quantities of 07 might be somewhat reduced from normal.

[monghead]

Silly question: How does one go about buying Rockford BP? Is it as simple as getting on Rockford's mailing list?

Here's a method that works well in Auckland:
1. Go to local liquor shop
2. Find Rockford BP gathering dust on shelf
3. Purchase wine

Bloody silly Kiwis have got more Te Matas than common sense then.

Though, I got to say, the Te Mata Coleraines are exquisite...

Monghead.

[Wayno]

I disagree with Bacchaebabe to a certain extent in that I think Rockford has a strong marketing focus,

Er, no, What I said was they had anything but SLICK marketing. I didn't say they had no marketing. Their marketing is clever and very focussed but it ain't slick.

And sorry Paullie, even Stonewallers can only buy 6 bottles of the Basket Press so there's not a lot of leeway to be generous. The mimits don't apply on most of the other wines though if you can find someone who lives near you. Although you should just be able to ring up and order most of the other wine and you can generally buy the Basket Press at the cellar door if you turn up in person, I think. However I think the quantities of 07 might be somewhat reduced from normal.

Sorry Kris, I didn't mean to mis-represent your comment, although I actually do think it's very slick, just on a different level to the usual definition of 'slick'.

[rednut]

Well I for one love being a Rockford fan. I look forward to that time of year with anticipation and upon receiving the newsletter work out my purchases. I buy BP and black shiraz every year and probably will continue to do so until old age or my wife prevents me from doing so.
I am a Stonewaller and think this is a excellent way of being recognised as a devoted fan or customer.
I love the bottle and label design also and am yet to encounter a BP I didnt like.

End of the day its personal choice isnt it.

[daver6]

sorry for the newbie question here....but do I take it that BP is only available via the cellar door and ordering direct? Or can one buy it at bottle shops too?

[Wayno]

Cellar door and mail order is the most cost effective way. I have seen it at auction for about twice the cellar door price and back-vintages at bottle shops like Dan's for ridiculous sums that transcend commonsense.

[Mike Hawkins]

sorry for the newbie question here....but do I take it that BP is only available via the cellar door and ordering direct? Or can one buy it at bottle shops too?

It's available in certain retail outlets, though it would be inappropriate to mention them here. The winery can tell you though.

As for its cellar door availability, its generally March 1 for non-Stonewallers.

Cheers

Mike

[JamieBahrain]

One of the great wines of the world when at the 10 year mark for $50AUD......



I hand carried this to Austria a few months ago. Stunning! A 98 BP professionally cellared.

[Christo]

[quote="JamieBahrain"]One of the great wines of the world when at the 10 year mark for $50AUD......

quote]

Really?.. never had a Neumeister young or aged... $50 huh ... is it made in the barossa?

c

[roughred]

Can agree with snippets of everything that's been written here.

Wayno summed up my thoughts on the wines well. BP Shiraz, Rod & Spur and Rifle Range all consistently over-deliver for mine, and I enjoy the Alicante Bouchet as well. Have never purchased the Sparkling, (though have enjoyed it when others are buying) and have never come across an SVS. White's dont interest me much, and yes I agree the adherence to cork particularly in the whites and sparkling has no doubt become a rod for their backs.

Don't see the marketing as slick at all, but it doesn't have to be slick to be smart of successful. If you can sell all of your wine on a direct basis and make a few friends in the process you have a winning model. More importanly it's authentic, and that's what people are buying into. The quality of most of the wines certainly helps, as does the aura of exclusivity. They don't seem set on world domination (must be a very long term plan if they are), don't follow fad or fashion, from what I can tell don't court favour from any critic, and stick to their guns in terms of producing traditional styles and preserving winemaking heritage. Pretty easy to align yourself with these ideals.

[Brucer]

The think that most annoys me about Rockford, is that I live in Sydney, and have not been to Barossa for a few years now. This means that I cannot buy their SVS bottlings, as one has to travel to Cellar Door in South Australia to buy them. This is the only wine company that I regularly buy from, where I cannot buy their best wines. Is that good marketing? I dont think so, when it upsets long time Stonewallers, like me.
I have discussed this with Rockford on numerous occasions, but its their policy, you must go to the cellar door. The cynical side of me could say that they are discriminating against their customers who dont live in South Australia.
I have given up on Black shiraz, due to crappy leaking corks. Dont need the dramas. I believe they should be looking at screwcaps for their whole range, as most other companies are doing. I am sick of corked/oxidised wines, and shudder to think how many bottles sitting in my cellar are undrinkable, due to the packaging.

While I am on a rave, I was in the Hunter recently, and dropped in to Brokenwood, to try their semillons. It was a hot day, and they were all sitting on the shelf, at a temperature that made them taste bloody aweful to me. When I questioned this, they said that this is to bring out the fruit, as whites too cold, dull the fruit. That may be ok if the temperature of the wine was 10 to 12 degrees, but I think they were more like 20 degrees. I mentioned that I dont drink whites at 20 degrees, and didnt want to taste them at this temperature. It fell on deaf ears. I just dont understand their thinking on this. management obviously think they are right, and everybody has to suffer tasting warm white!

End of rave.

[JamieBahrain]

Semantics Christo. Such a great wine was the 98 it was worthy of a holiday snap. The Austrian was very good too.

The more great wines I drink, the more I appreciate what Rockford is doing with shiraz when drinking BP at the 10 year mark +.

Yes. Cork issues have peeved me off too. The variation in some vintages of BP disappointing.