TN:Rockford Cabernet Sauvignon 1995

[Luke W]

Rockford Cabernet Sauvignon 1995 (Barossa Valley 750ml, Cork, 14%) - bought as a filler to make up a dozen without any real hope that it would be a great wine - no idea of provenance. Cork came out very quickly with the AHSO, completely stained except for a mm or so around the top. Poured an inch in the glass to decide whether to decant and thought it would drink nicely without.
Over the next hour or so this became one of the loveliest wines I've had for the year - sheer class and balance. Aroma a little muted at first with some black olive and plum. The palate was medium to full bodied with exquisite balance - full of black berry flavours, a touch of licorice, and the aforementioned black olives and plums. Cigar box and chocolate lingered on the middle palate for quite awhile.
I have a feeling that Rockford wines may suit my palate and will try to source many more. Most of the examples I've tried previously have been Basket Pressed Shiraz's (not aged - at least within the last 10 years) and although I've liked these they possibly haven't shown their true potential. Is it typical for these wines to develop such wonderful finesse and harmony as they get some age?

cheers

Luke

[ticklenow1]

Luke,

I've always preferred the Rifle Range to the Basket Press. I know not many others will, and maybe I just haven't had enough really old Basket Press's, but the 1998 Rifle Range is one of my all time favourite wines. The 02 and 03 are also exceptional as well. I have a few older Basket Press's, so I'll have to try a couple soon to see if my preference for the Rifle Range is still there.

I think the Rifle Range's mature a bit quicker than the Basket Press. Having said that, we had the 04 Rifle Range at the Black Magnum dinner in May and it needs a lot more time.

Glad you enjoyed it though Luke. I'm personally a big fan of all the Red wines in the Rockford range, bar the Frugal farmer.

Cheers
Ian

[Luke W]

When did the cabernet become the Rifle Range?

[Mahmoud Ali]

I was under the impression that the Rifle Range was a vineyard desination or perhaps a special bottling. I do know that their old Dry Grown Grenache was dropped or became the Moppa Springs blend of Grenache/Shiraz/Mataro.

Their website don't seem to have a list of their wines.

Mahmoud.

[sjw_11]

Their normal straight Cab Sav is now called Rifle Range and has been for some years... I had a 2003 which was labelled Rifle Range and just bought a 2000 at auction which was just labelled Cabernet... so perhaps that gives an indication when the name was added?

[bacchaebabe]

I'm certain the 02 is Rifle Range but don't know if the 01 is.

[Mahmoud Ali]

Did a bit of sleuthing on the Internet and have found reviews for Rockford Cabernet to the '00 vintage and Rifle Range from '01 to '08 so that seems to answer the question.

Mahmoud.

[Luke W]

Has anyone got tasting notes for the Rifle Ranges or Cabernet Sauvignons? I''ve read the JH reviews and they're more complementary than the JO's. I can source some 97's but that could be risky - think 96 or 98 are the obvious vintage to find or the 02, 04,06 lately.

[ticklenow1]

Has anyone got tasting notes for the Rifle Ranges or Cabernet Sauvignons? I''ve read the JH reviews and they're more complementary than the JO's. I can source some 97's but that could be risky - think 96 or 98 are the obvious vintage to find or the 02, 04,06 lately.

Luke,

I don't have actual tasting notes, but from memory (of what I have drunk), the '98, '02 & '03 are all in a good spot right now. The '04 still needs time. I would suggest that anything more recent would need more time also.

If you like I could bring an '02 or '03 to our Brisbane offline next month. I'm sure I still have both.

Cheers
Ian

[Luke W]

Sounds great, Ian. Love to try another. Just read Torb's tasting notes - on this recommendation bring a 2002 if you're feeling good natured.

[sjw_11]

I had a '99 last week (half bottle) which was still drinking very nicely, and a 2003 (half bottle, from CD) about 12mths ago which was ready to go, but may be better in a 750ml... Ive got half bottles of the 1997 and 2000 in the cupboard waiting to be opened.

[Luke W]

Let me know what the 97 is like after you try it.....