Rockford Basket Press 2002-The Verdict!

JamieBahrain · Post by **JamieBahrain** » Tue Nov 30, 2004 2:24 am

Well how would I know? I live in Hong Kong!

Could those who consistantly enjoy the BPress style give their rating or impression of the wine please.

I realise it can be a tough wine to judge too soon after bottling.

Not having tried the 02, I have been disappointed in the last two vintages on release. Well aware that a little age does wonders though.

707 · Post by **707** » Tue Nov 30, 2004 9:04 am

You're right, we often make judgements on wine when they are too young and the BP is built to be a long maturer so it's even more perilous to do so. The 2002 hasn't been bottled very long either which means we should have another look next winter.

Of recent vintages, only the 2000 is maybe not up there but remember the 1989 which we all thought wouldn't make the grade, well it's drunk really well a decade on so give the 2000 time.

The 1999 is only just starting to blossom but will be a long lived wine and the 2001 should be tucked away for a nice sleep.

The 2002 Basket Press is destined to be one of the greats so don't fail to buy it.

JamieBahrain · Post by **JamieBahrain** » Fri Dec 03, 2004 10:00 am

Not many seem to have tried the 02 Basket Press. It seems to be a blind buy wine each year understandably.

It would seem the 02 the ripest Basket Press in recent memeory. There must be quite a contrast in style from the previous two vintages.

707 · Post by **707** » Fri Dec 03, 2004 1:05 pm

I think it's a bit bigger than the 01, ripe yes but in no way overdone, just a bloody good Barossan.

Don't hesitate to buy, it will be a classic with the standard Rockford 8 years cellaring.

Buy the 02 Rifle Range Cabernet as well, just as good as the BP. Refer to the Blacktongues tasting notes 24/11/04 further down the forum.

JamieBahrain · Post by **JamieBahrain** » Fri Dec 03, 2004 2:29 pm

Thanks 707

I have a case of the 02 BP.

I avoided the cabernet as I don't like the Barossan style. Perhaps a few bottles won't hurt!

Gavin Trott · Post by **Gavin Trott** » Fri Dec 03, 2004 2:45 pm

JamieBahrain wrote:Thanks 707

I have a case of the 02 BP.

I avoided the cabernet as I don't like the Barossan style. Perhaps a few bottles won't hurt!

Jamie

I really liked the 02 Basket Press, seeking some for my cellar (not on the mailing list).

That said, the 02 Cabernet was, in my opinion, better, an excellent Barossan Shiraz.

Seeking that too!

Chuck · Post by **Chuck** » Sat Dec 04, 2004 10:38 pm

IMO generally speaking '02 Barossa Cabernets if at or below 14% are better than the Shiraz @14.5% - 15.5%. No in your face fruit with low tannin and acid. More interesting and complex and worthy of cellaring. They will develop and surprise as apposed to.....

I crave Shiraz from before 2000. Am I alone and just a voice in the winderness?

Taking ma and pa to Barossa tomorrow to seek and find.

Chuck

707 · Post by **707** » Sun Dec 05, 2004 7:36 am

I've been so impressed with the handful of 2002 Barossa Cabernet I've had that I'm planning a line up of them for the Blacktongues early next year.

Contenders will be something like

Rockford Rifle Range
Charles Melton
Kaesler
Langmeil Jackaman
Greenock Creek
Glaymond
Turkey Flat
Kabminye
Rusden
Seppelt Dorrien if it still exists and I can get one pre release

Any others people think should be in there?

guest · Post by **guest** » Sun Dec 05, 2004 8:21 am

Hi 707(cab)
What about the excellent Mamre Brook?
Geoff

707 · Post by **707** » Sun Dec 05, 2004 10:21 am

Thanks Geoff, Mamre Brook is already in the box of waiting wines, I just forgot to put it on the posted list.

I assume you think it's as good as I do, and IMO a sensational bargain that will be amongst my top five QPR wines of 2004.

GrahamB · Post by **GrahamB** » Sun Dec 05, 2004 11:21 am

707 wrote:Thanks Geoff, Mamre Brook is already in the box of waiting wines, I just forgot to put it on the posted list.

I assume you think it's as good as I do, and IMO a sensational bargain that will be amongst my top five QPR wines of 2004.

Steve

The 02 Mamre Brook C/S is certainly there in my 2004 best. We waited sooo long for this to be released but worth it.

Never any of this left at a multiple bottle opening.

Graham

JamieBahrain · Post by **JamieBahrain** » Sun Dec 05, 2004 1:05 pm

So many have purchased BP 02 but few seemed to have tried or care to comment!

Was especially hoping to here from the veteran BP drinkers on their impressions of a riper vintage. Comparisons with previous releases etc.

Reference the Barossa cabernet horizontal. Kaesler does an honest under $20 expression.

TORB · Post by **TORB** » Sun Dec 05, 2004 1:42 pm

Jamie,

I think that like me, most people who are Stonewallers and get the wine don't want to sacrifice such limited stock so they are thrown in the cellar to wait till they are a few years older.

My 98, 99, 01 and 02's are all still intact. I have had one out of the 2000 box.

707 · Post by **707** » Sun Dec 05, 2004 10:38 pm

Agree Ric, I'm just glad I can go to CD anytime and try them. a six pack just isn't enough. An even worse problem with wines like Kays Block 6 which is another six pack but no tasting at CD!

I think everyone should be allowed seven bottles in these circumstances.

JamieBahrain · Post by **JamieBahrain** » Mon Dec 06, 2004 6:57 pm

I understand Ric, as I am now for the first time, in similar circumstances that prevent easy access to new release vintages such as BPress 02.

Just noted there has been little commentry about the 02-people just assuming it will be awesome?

JamieBahrain · Post by **JamieBahrain** » Wed Dec 22, 2004 2:39 pm

Winefront Monthly gives the Basket Press 2002 90pts.

Although a solid score, probably not great review considering the vintage and considering the accolades for other Barossa 02 shiraz- for example Turkey Flat and Melton's.

Does anyone have an Oliver or Halliday score?

Muscat Mike · Post by **Muscat Mike** » Wed Dec 22, 2004 3:33 pm

Jamie,
just checked Oliver and he is only up to 2001.
MM.

Gary W · Post by **Gary W** » Wed Dec 22, 2004 4:05 pm

I thought it was a fairly ordinary BP. Rather porty. 89 or 90 at very best. May try another bottle just to be fair.

GW

Gary W · Post by **Gary W** » Wed Dec 22, 2004 4:07 pm

Oh.. I would also add that I think the 02 Rifle Range is a much better wine. 02 lovely Barossa Cabernets. Not so sold on it as a Shiraz vintage. Not in the same ballpark as 96,98 and many 99.
GW

Gary W · Post by **Gary W** » Wed Dec 22, 2004 4:10 pm

Chuck wrote:I crave Shiraz from before 2000. Am I alone and just a voice in the winderness?

Could not agree more!
GW

JamieBahrain · Post by **JamieBahrain** » Wed Dec 22, 2004 4:42 pm

Chuck

Was that BPress prior to 2000 ( suggesting the 99 BP the last goody ) or all shiraz prior to 2000?

I buy BP religiously each year. At $50 a bottle now, perhaps more attention to vintage appropriate?

But you would have to be confident in BP shining in all but the worst of Barossa vintages- unless there has been a change in style?

TORB · Post by **TORB** » Wed Dec 22, 2004 8:03 pm

Check out http://www.torbwine.com/index.htm?..//recent.htm for tasting notes on both the 02 Basket Press and Rifle Range.

Both are very fine wines and have some remakable similarities. I am glad I have purchased both and totally disagree with GW's analysis. The 02 BP will be right up there with the 96, 98 and 99 in time and whilst the 02 Rifle Range is a damn good wine, its to early to tell which will be the best of the two in the long term.