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

[Craig(NZ)]

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

Bick, I know a retailer that only just put his 04 BP on the shelf this week - $75. He told me one person bought all his remaining 02 (about 25 bottles) only weeks ago. I bought a couple of 04 just because (can't say I needed it but thought I should).

[Adair]

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.

Hahaha!
Daz, if I ever drink with you, I will serve you a Wendouree. Like many others, I struggle with coughing up for Rockford reds these days. But Wendouree, oh my... that is a different story. Slick marketing??? Tony and Lita don't even like answering the phone!!!
Adair

[cuttlefish]

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.

I think the Brokenwood cellar door experience is among the worst in the Hunter Valley. Overcrowded, curt staff, and few wines actually from Hunter Valley.

[Red Bigot]

On Monday I put on a vertical of Rockford BP Shiraz for my Monday tasting group. The vintages were 1996, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2004.
I liked the 96 then the 2004, then 99 and 98 and finally I ranked the 2001 ahead of the spirity/porty 2002. The group preference was 2004, 2001, 1996, 2002, 99, 98.
All the wines except the 15% a/v 2002 (how could they stuff up a cool vintage, my remaining are off to auction) were good to very good drinking, the 96 a clear standout for me, but the 98 faded in the glass over the hour (it and the 96 were double-decanted an hour before the tasting).
BUT, they didn't come across as great wines at the head of the Barossa quality rankings for Shiraz around their price-point.
Certainly better than all those soft, sweet, seductive Barossa shiraz styles with no backbone.
But not enough to keep me in the fold, my order form for the new releases has been re-cycled and I've bought some Trevor Jones Wild Witch Shiraz 2006 and Larry Cherubino Frankland River Shiraz 2007 instead for about the same price.
I'll make room on the mailing list for someone that enjoys them more than I do.

[monghead]

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.

I think the Brokenwood cellar door experience is among the worst in the Hunter Valley. Overcrowded, curt staff, and few wines actually from Hunter Valley.

Yes, agree.

The Boutique wine centre next to Blaxland's Restaurant is pure gold... Sensational service, Excellent glassware, and Exceptional wines. Actually, dangerous to go, as always walk away a few hundred to a grand lighter...

[Mike Hawkins]

Brian,

Thanks for the interesting post. I'm visiting Sydney later in the year and will be checking out the 88, 90, 96, 98 and 99 BPs as well as 2 of the 96 SVS's and various disgorgments of the Black Shiraz (I've never had a leaker !). I hope my tasting turns out better than yours, as I have more Rockford shiraz than any other wine in my cellar. Nevertheless, your post has me slightly concerned.

I was surprised at the group's ranking of the 01 - it hasn't wowed many people I've shared it with. And I understand your comment on the 02 BP, though my palate has been smashed by so many overblown BV shiraz that I find the 02 BP's portiness tolerable.

Based on everything I've had to date, BP is one of the few I buy every year - even years like 95, 00 and 07. I sincerely hope the upcoming bottles cause me to continue this pattern, as I respect Robert's approach to wine.

Cheers

Mike

[Brucer]

I have been getting into the 03 Rockford Basket Press recently.
Right in its drinking window, and its ripe, lush, and drinking really well now.
I dont like the savoury 99, and dont mind the 01.
I will try an 02. I like the 04, but it needs a bit of time.
B

[bigmac]

Hi all,

Are any of the other Rockford reds (Rod and Spur, Rifle Range, or Moppa Springs) worthwhile? Or even the whites? All the discussions appears to revolve solely around the Basket Press - seems like the existing Stonewallers don't bother with any of the other ones.

[Chad]

I have had & thoroughly enjoyed the 2003 & 2004 Moppa Springs, 2005 Rod'n'Spur, 2008 Alicante Bouchet and last years release of the Black Shiraz. I am presently on the Mailing list, not a Stonewaller yet. Earlier this year I ordered the 2004 Moppa Springs, 2005 Rod'n'Spur and 2006 Rifle Range. I was able to get hold of a couple 2006 BP from a friend who is a Stonewaller. I shared the Black Shiraz with a friend over Christmas Turkey OMG.... I have been advised that if any BP etc is left after the Stonewallers have finished ordering, they are then offered to the Mailing list customers in March/April next year. Therefore I will wait with fingers crossed that I might be able to order a couple BP. However even if I miss out on the BP, I will still order the Moppa Springs, Rifle Range & the Rod'n'Spur as I have found those that I have had to be engaging and rewarding for the price point.

Chad

[Mike Hawkins]

Hi all,

Are any of the other Rockford reds (Rod and Spur, Rifle Range, or Moppa Springs) worthwhile? Or even the whites? All the discussions appears to revolve solely around the Basket Press - seems like the existing Stonewallers don't bother with any of the other ones.

I've purchased tjhe Rifle Range for the past 5 years and have thoroughly enjoyed it. While its perhaps not 'varietally correct' (I couldn't care less anyway), its an enjoyable wine nonetheless.

Mike

[Adair]

Hi all,

Are any of the other Rockford reds (Rod and Spur, Rifle Range, or Moppa Springs) worthwhile? Or even the whites? All the discussions appears to revolve solely around the Basket Press - seems like the existing Stonewallers don't bother with any of the other ones.

I love the Local Growers Semillon and the Hand-Picked Riesling.

I can never quite justify the the Vine Vale Riesling for its price. Yes it is unique, but there are a number of other unique whites around the price that I seem to appreciate better.

Adair

[griff]

Just another voice saying the other wines are good. The 2004 Moppa Springs is a good GSM, earthy and soft. Almost makes up for the loss of the straight Grenache, may it rest in peace.

cheers

Carl

[Mandingo]

Hi all,

Are any of the other Rockford reds (Rod and Spur, Rifle Range, or Moppa Springs) worthwhile? Or even the whites? All the discussions appears to revolve solely around the Basket Press - seems like the existing Stonewallers don't bother with any of the other ones.

I loved the 06 Rifle Range - and asked for more of this vintage with the order - which they have honoured.

[Red Bigot]

Hi all,

Are any of the other Rockford reds (Rod and Spur, Rifle Range, or Moppa Springs) worthwhile? Or even the whites? All the discussions appears to revolve solely around the Basket Press - seems like the existing Stonewallers don't bother with any of the other ones.

I loved the 06 Rifle Range - and asked for more of this vintage with the order - which they have honoured.

I thought you had no money?
(I know you have no taste! - just joking. )
Do you want an extra 6-pack of the 2007 BP?

[dave vino]

If he doesn't I will

[daz]

[quote="Adair"][quote="daz"][size=150][b]Slick marketing[/b][/size], Stonewaller exclusivity, appears to be essence of Rockford, the gloss seeming to dull a bit in recent years from my reading of the websites. [size=150][b]Wendouree is another, amongst many, that play that tune so many dance to. I've never tried wine from either[/b][/size], would prefer to go to Turkey Flat or Teusner in the Barossa, any number of others in the Clare.[/quote]
Hahaha!
Daz, if I ever drink with you, I will serve you a Wendouree. Like many others, I struggle with coughing up for Rockford reds these days. But Wendouree, oh my... that is a different story. Slick marketing??? Tony and Lita don't even like answering the phone!!!
Adair[/quote]

Marketing doesn't include the reclusiveness of the winery principals Adair, but then, perhaps...............

I was referring more to the bated breath with which members of the exclusive, limited, mailing lists wait each year to find just what wines they've been allocated and in what quantity. Halliday's ratings are from 94-97pts for some of the recent vintages/wines from Wendouree and they are obviously highly regarded by others as well as yourself so I'd be honoured to share a bottle of your favourite release from there if the occasion to so should ever arise.

Cheers

daz

[daz]

[quote="Gary W"]Rockford are unequivocally one of the best and smartest marketers in the game.
GW[/quote]

Really?

[daz]

[quote="bacchaebabe"][quote="Wayno"]
I disagree with Bacchaebabe to a certain extent in that I think Rockford has a strong marketing focus,
[/quote]

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.[/quote]

Depends on your concept of "slick". Exclusivity is slick! Limited availability is "slick"! Stonewallers is "slick". Seriously, Kris, if you consider slick marketing to be only full-page newspaper ads, a repetitive TV ad assault, big billboards on major thoroughfares to be all there is to "slick" marketing, I hope you're not a marketing analyst

Cheers

daz

[bigmac]

Thanks Chad, Mike, Adair and Griff for your responses.

I thought you had no money?
(I know you have no taste! - just joking. )
Do you want an extra 6-pack of the 2007 BP?

I'll take it if he doesn't want (psst...do redbigot subscribers get preferential treatment?

[Adair]

If an example of slick marketing is making the market feel that you have much smaller productions that you really have, then I am confident that Rockford are slick marketers. However, there are definitely other things that Rockford could do from a marketing perspective that may increase their sales but they won't due to the core beliefs of their founder, which does give a certain honesty to their operations, which I believe is not solely dictated by marketing.

Adair

[Wayno]

If an example of slick marketing is making the market feel that you have much smaller productions that you really have, then I am confident that Rockford are slick marketers. However, there are definitely other things that Rockford could do from a marketing perspective that may increase their sales but they won't due to the core beliefs of their founder, which does give a certain honesty to their operations, which I believe is not solely dictated by marketing.

Adair

My thoughts precisely, Adair.

[Red Bigot]

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

Really?

I tried to edit daz's messages to fix the quoting, but there doesn't seem to be anything wrong with the tags and saving it again leaves it unchanged, and when I quote it, it fixes itself. Odd.
Daz, can you check your profile Board Preferences, Posting Preferences please and see if you have "BBCode On" set.

[Mandingo]

Hi all,

Are any of the other Rockford reds (Rod and Spur, Rifle Range, or Moppa Springs) worthwhile? Or even the whites? All the discussions appears to revolve solely around the Basket Press - seems like the existing Stonewallers don't bother with any of the other ones.

I loved the 06 Rifle Range - and asked for more of this vintage with the order - which they have honoured.

I thought you had no money?
(I know you have no taste! - just joking. )
Do you want an extra 6-pack of the 2007 BP?

That's true Brian - no money, but also no will power! I bought some Black Shiraz for the B&B dinner in November and mixed it with a couple of bottles of the 06 Cab. Sue doesnt need to know......

[Mandingo]

Thanks Chad, Mike, Adair and Griff for your responses.

I thought you had no money?
(I know you have no taste! - just joking. )
Do you want an extra 6-pack of the 2007 BP?

I'll take it if he doesn't want (psst...do redbigot subscribers get preferential treatment?

Sounds like you have a few thirsty friends in the wings Brian - I'm not looking for the 07. Have you tried it?

[rednut]

Thoroughly enjoyed a Stonewallers Lunch yesterday at Rockfords.
Fantastic food matched to beautiful wines. Perfect environment and a great group of people made for a memorable day.

Bought the BP, Black Shiraz and a carton of Alicante.
Loved the Frugal Farmer, would be nice chilled first then served.
Rifle Range, Rod n Spur and the Moppa were all delightful too.

[rednut]

Got my Stonewallers Order form and newsletter yesterday.
Will be spending 3 nights in the Barossa next weekend, childfree.....yay!
Rockfords are number 1 on the list of to do's and to buy.
2008 BP is $53 a bottle

[richie32]

Got the newsletter & order form yesterday.
Must admit I was looking forward to it a little more than usual with the latest BP being the 2008 vintage and my sons birth year, have to use that excuse again with the wife dont know how much longer or how many more $ it will work but hey I think it's a fair reason to buy wine.
Not my fault if all of it doesnt make it to his milestones a few might fall each year on his birthday with wife and I celebrating.

Actually having his 2nd birthday party this weekend and will be opening a 96 BP along with an 09 Black, 99 Eileen hardy shiraz, 08 Wendouree Shiraz Mataro and an 03 Cardinham Riesling with family before his party on Sunday.
Hopefully they all match expectations and the little fella appreciates the hard work we do for his benefit...........

[Jordan]

Sacrificed a bottle of 2008 Wendouree Shiraz Mataro 2 weeks ago and it was stunning. Drinking superbly now with obvious upside to it in the cellar. I would make sure you drink it before the heavier styled BP and Eileen Hardy.

[Wayno]

Curiously, we are tee-ing off last year's 'vintage' for this thread. Anyway. The 08 BP sounds promising, under-sold in the Rag, compared to the other wines.... I'm getting the impression that 08 was a pretty solid vintage, in Barossa at least... Thoughts?

[ticklenow1]

I'll have to put my 2 cents in on this one. My wife and I both love Rockford and have been Stonewallers since 2006. We have been to the Barossa Valley several times over the years and even went there for our honeymoon. I have to admit that the whole old style winery and approach to making the wines that Rocky takes, is all part of the allure of Rockford. He was afterall, one of the crusaders against the vine pull scheme. Imagine if all the old vines were pulled out in the Barossa. It would have been a disaster for the modern wine drinker.

Back onto the wines though. The only Basket press I have had the pleasure of drinking were a couple of '02's a couple of years ago. I thought they were a little young but still a pleasure to drink. I am a huge fan of the Moppa Springs GSM. Being a Grenache lover, I am always a little biased towards this style of wine. I like them with some bottle age and only in the last couple of weeks I have had an '01 and an '02 and they were wonderful. The Rod and Spur is also a nice drop as well. I think that they also benifit from a few years in the bottle. I have only had an '02 and '03 at home but have tasted later vintages at the cellar door and once again, I love them. As for the Rifle Range Cabernet, this is the suprise wine for me. It is always punching well above it's weight. It was this wine that introduced me to Barossa Cabernet (which I now love). I really enjoyed both the '06 and '07 whilist at the cellar door. The Black Shiraz is my wife's favourite wine and always comes out on special occasions. It is not really my thing but after tasting this and several other sparkling shiraz's, it is hard to go past Black Shiraz for quality. I have had a corked bottle though, but in fairness, on the same night we also had a corked '98 Cape Mentelle cabernet as well. As for the whites, they are not really my thing but a couple of friends love both of the Rieslings and buy them every year.

The best Rockford wine that I have had is definitely the 2002 Home Block Cabernet (Magnum). I drank this with my closest friends and family after my son was born last year. the only word I had at the time was WOW! Violets, lavender and olives on the nose with a little tar as well, but the palate was amazing. The tannins were so silky smooth, the fruit dominated with the oak only a minor support but certainly there. What a wonderful drink and one of the best wines I have ever had.

I also think that the future wines will be a slighty different style with Ben Radford the new winemaker. I have heard that he has got rid of a lot of the old oak and changed a few things in the winery that should start to show in the next few years. If only the Barossa can get a couple of decent vintages so Ben can show his true colours. I know his 06 Radford Shiraz is a stunner but the 07, not quite as good (vintage conditions I hope).

All in all, I am one of the people who really look forward to getting my newsletter every year as well. The wines are not for everyone, but if you get the bug, it is hard to shake. Along with Noon and Greenock Creek, Rockfords is the one letterhead I love to see in my mailbox every year. Now if only I could get on the Wendouree list.......