The Auswine Forum

Question: You are in Adelaide. It is 3pm. Your plane leaves at 6:30pm. What do you do?
Answer: Drive very fast to Rockford of course!


NV Rockford RD Pinot Chardonnay (Sparkling White)
Very well made but unfortunately the wine is too under-fruited. 12 months ago I thought this wine might improve but I admit to being disappointed. Fine, balanced, long palate of near nothingness! I have one in the cellar and am not sure whether to drink it or let it go as an experiment.


2001 Rockford Eden Valley Riesling
Mouthfilling and balanced limey wine with quite deep florals. Heaps of fine acidity taking the wine to all areas of the palate. No holes. Impressive wine. Rated Excellent, this is a beautiful wine getting better with age.


2001 Rockford Local Growers Semillon
Broad, lanolin and lemon fruit than dies on the middle and back palate. A little age might help but this wine will never be great.


2004 Rockford White Frontignac
Obvious sweet style that does not cloy and contains powerful fruit and delightful acid. Great mouthfeel and length. I appreciate this wine but personally do not enjoy the style. Many, many others will and I rate it Highly Recommended.


2004 Rockford Alicante Bouchet
As soon as I tasted this wine, I remarked to Ian that this wine is much better than the 2003 and even better than the 2002. Rockford have finally reversed their tendency over the past few years to leave more and more residual sugar in this wine, which took away from the great and unique pleasure that the Rockford Alicante Bouchet can provide. This wine is gorgeous and fully allows the bright, ripe cherry and strawberry flavours to truly shine on long and seamless palate. If you want a rose wine, I do not think you can buy better that this wine. Rated Excellent.


1999 Rockford Moppa Springs Grenache/Shiraz/Mataro
Harmonious combination of savoury and berry fruit on a light/medium bodied palate. The wine has great length from fine integrated acid and very fine tannin. The palate is seamless but the wine lacks flavour depth and is a bit simple. Although it should improve in the short term, it probably will not get any better than Recommended.


2001 Rockford Rod & Spur Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz
This has integrated very well since release. Seamless ripe and long flavours on a medium weighted palate, with a hint of coolness and savouriness. Fine unobtrusive tannins in perfect balance with the fruit and fine acid. Rated Recommended/Highly Recommended, it will continue to build over the next 3-4 years.


1998 Rockford Cabernet Sauvignon
Full, long yet delicate wine leading with savoury characters and sweet mulberries, along with sweet earth and dust. Fine powdery and dusty tannins. Still a few years from its peak. Rated Highly Recommended/Excellent. Beautiful wine.


2002 Rockford Cabernet Sauvignon (Rifle Range, I presume)
Ladies and Gentlemen, save up now and make sure you get some of this when released. I was lucky enough the taste a sample of the final blend and I was extremely impressed. I even had a second glass despite my time limitations.

The coolness of the vintage has enabled Rockford to produce a great Cabernet Sauvignon. Great intensity of rich and ripe blackberry, dark cherry and mulberry flavours controlled awesomely by a smooth, tight structure. The oak has been used perfectly, needing to be searched to be found, providing depth and harmonious sweet spice. The tannins are ripe, fine and sensationally integrated, providing a cushion for the flavours to flow over a very long palate. Very classy. Rated Outstanding, this wine would be the flagship of most other wineries and, as I have not tasted the Basket Press, could be its top 2002 wineÂ… although it wets my palate for the 2002 Basket Press


2001 Rockford Basket Press Shiraz
The cellar door sold out of this wine months ago but an Adelaide restaurant had recently returned this bottle as being faulty. It was the joke of the cellar door. This wine was truly gorgeous.

Smooth, long and powerful. Very ripe fruit but totally melted with savouriness. Like the 2001 Rod & Spur, this wine has integrated faster than I expected (I last tasted it on the first weekend of October 2003) but it will age well but not be one of the longest lived Basket Presses. The wineÂ’s flavour depth is enhanced greatly by a big, ripe and silky structure. Wine does not get much more enjoyable than this. Rated Excellent/Outstanding.


1998 Rockford SVS Flaxman Valley Shiraz
Sweet, ripe, powerful fruit, some of it in the dark red spectrum as well as black, with cool pepper and spice aspects. French oak is well in the background on nose and palate, excellently handled. There is currently a lack of weight in the mid-palate, compared to the front, but this should build with time. The finish is long, assisted by prominent fine tannins with a dusty quality. The wine is well-balanced and carries great finesse, even with its very full-bodied frame. Rated Excellent, I look forward to drinking this wine in 7 years.


1998 Rockford SVS Pressings Shiraz – This wine was created deliberately to highlight the ability of basket pressing to provide softness to a wine. It certainly achieves its purpose. I recently tasted the last few vintages of Kaesler Old Bastard. This wine is in a similar style but totally eclipses them in quality, particularly due to the phenomenal depth and softness this wine displays. This wine is massive, soft and seamless. I was slightly concerned about the hit of shaving cream from American oak on the nose that rose above the massive, ripe dark fruits (the wine was oaked for 30+ months), but all concerned were alleviated on the palate. The oak is totally swallowed by the intense, deep dark fruits which are delivered to all areas of the palate by very ripe, soft tannins. Great length. No holes. Despite the wine’s size and weight, it is not flabby or cloying. Rated Outstanding, this wine will age well and gain greater complexity.


1998 Rockford Vintage Port – Actually quite similar in many ways to the Pressings. A great reflection on the vintage. Huge, soft, sumptuous, multi-layered, long and hedonistic with a delightful clean spirit in total balance with the wine. A dark fruit driven wine in which to enjoy and get lost. Although there is a little cloying aspect to the wine, there is definitely enough structure and balance that will allow me to enjoy my second and third glasses. Even at $60 per bottle, I did not hesitate in buying a 3-pack. Rated Excellent/Outstanding.


Lastly, a 1998 Rockford SVS Hoffmann Shiraz has been made but, unlike the 1997 Hoffmann that was never meant to be released in Australia but which was obtained by some Stonewallers , all of the wines were sent to RobertÂ’s old mate in Switzerland. This was done due to RobertÂ’s Swiss mate originally suggesting and encouraging Robert to make single vineyard wines, and as an attempt to stop the wine collector mentality that is so detrimental to wine lovers who appreciate great wine. So, is anyone going to Switzerland?

Kind regards,
Adair

Adair wrote:Question: You are in Adelaide. It is 3pm. Your plane leaves at 6:30pm. What do you do?
Answer: Drive very fast to Rockford of course!

You are a sick man Adair.

TORB wrote:

Adair wrote:Question: You are in Adelaide. It is 3pm. Your plane leaves at 6:30pm. What do you do?
Answer: Drive very fast to Rockford of course!

You are a sick man Adair.

Very sick, indeed. Even more puzzling is how this madman could try 14 wines in the time available and produce such detailed tasting notes. Very, very sus, Adair.

David Lole wrote:

TORB wrote:

Adair wrote:Question: You are in Adelaide. It is 3pm. Your plane leaves at 6:30pm. What do you do?
Answer: Drive very fast to Rockford of course!

You are a sick man Adair.

Very sick, indeed. Even more puzzling is how this madman could try 14 wines in the time available and produce such detailed tasting notes. Very, very sus, Adair.

It took me 1 hour and 5 minutes to get from Haigh's retail/factory outlet in the south of the Adelaide CBD. I arrived at Rockford at 4.05pm. Left Rockford at 4:45pm, arrived at the Airport at about 6pm.

Had a funny episode as I checked in... I had:
* 1 bag with brochures and a laptop in it,
* 1 bag with a projector in it,
* 1 Haigh's chocolate bag
* a Rockford 3-wine carry bag with the 1998 VPs in it, and
* 2 plastic bags, each with 2 Rockford wines (the plastic bags were cheap and the handles on both had already broken).

I said to the check in man: "I am obviously over weight and over-sized (my baggage that is) but I am not sure what you want me to check in?"

The first thing he said: "Well, I can't check in the Rockford wines. They are too valuable."

Smart guy. In the end, he requested me take all my bags onboard and he let the cabin crew know about the value of my luggage and to make special consideration of my goods.

Adair

Adair wrote:The first thing he said: "Well, I can't check in the Rockford wines. They are too valuable."

Smart guy. In the end, he requested me take all my bags onboard and he let the cabin crew know about the value of my luggage and to make special consideration of my goods.

Adair

That is truly sensational customer service! I'm impressed.

Adair wrote:Lastly, a 1998 Rockford SVS Hoffmann Shiraz has been made but, unlike the 1997 Hoffmann that was never meant to be released in Australia but which was obtained by some Stonewallers , all of the wines were sent to RobertÂ’s old mate in Switzerland. This was done due to RobertÂ’s Swiss mate originally suggesting and encouraging Robert to make single vineyard wines, and as an attempt to stop the wine collector mentality that is so detrimental to wine lovers who appreciate great wine. So, is anyone going to Switzerland?

Adair,

If you can find out Robert's Swiss mate's name or company, I can track it down via my friends in Zurich. A google has turned up nothing of interest.

Adair,

What airline was this, they deserve special mention?

Cheers
Glen

Glen G wrote:Adair,

What airline was this, they deserve special mention?

Cheers
Glen

Virgin Blue.

Cellar Rat wrote:

Adair wrote:If you can find out Robert's Swiss mate's name or company, I can track it down via my friends in Zurich. A google has turned up nothing of interest.

Hehe, already been there and done that - my sister in the UK made enquiries and the '98 SVS Hoffman has already all been pre-sold. He still has some '97 SVS Hoffman but as Swiss wine laws don't let him ship the wine anywhere other than Switzerland you'll have to be very inventive to get some (I was going to use my brother-in-law's first cousin who conveniently lives in Lucerne ... but alas, no luck - and I've already got a 3-pack of the '97).

Look here:

http://www.martel.ch/martel/info_table_contents.asp

Oh and Adair is spot on with the new '98 VP - a ripper.

-- George Krashos

Adair,
What - no 2000 vintage reviews? I recently tasted the 2000 Rockford Basket Press Shiraz and thought it fairly mature, quite developed in colour and flavours and what's with that bottle? Thought it didn't deliver anywhere near the $NZ70 asking price and didn't seem like a good cellaring proposition to me.

The 2000 Rockford Cab - in the same style bottle - had more youthfulness in the colour and plenty of power but seemed pretty easy drinking for NZ$55.

Any comments?

Cheers,
Sue

SueNZ wrote:Adair,
What - no 2000 vintage reviews? I recently tasted the 2000 Rockford Basket Press Shiraz and thought it fairly mature, quite developed in colour and flavours and what's with that bottle? Thought it didn't deliver anywhere near the $NZ70 asking price and didn't seem like a good cellaring proposition to me.

The 2000 Rockford Cab - in the same style bottle - had more youthfulness in the colour and plenty of power but seemed pretty easy drinking for NZ$55.

Any comments?

Cheers,
Sue

No Sue. No 2000 at the CD.

I have not tasted the 2000 BP although I bought my allocation of 6 bottles.

I have had a fair few of the 2000 Cab Sauv from half bottle and thought that they were in an awkward phase at the moment and was planning to leave them for another year (although my father-in-law) recently had one and said it had integrated better than previously.

With regard to the 2000 Cab Sauv being NZ$55, I would not consider buying them for that price. The 2000 Cab Sauv is nowhere in the league of some of the Kiwi Cabs and Syrah that you can buy for that price.

Kind regards,
Adair

Hi Sue,

Seeing has how Adair can not be drunk this morning as he is posting, something most unusual on Sunday, here is my TN.

Rockford 2000 Basket Press Shiraz June 04

Spice, white pepper, meat, subtle milk chocolate and mint are found on the nose. Flavour profile follows the nose with some additional complexity provided by red and blue spectrum berry fruit flavours, liquorice and clove. It is mid-weight but the fruit is pure and is driving the wine. Tannins are soft and unobtrusive but they provide an excellent backbone to support the structure. Persistence of finish is more than respectable.

I have seen some very average reviews on this wine, but to me it is glorious. In those same reports, early drinking is suggested. Yes, it is drinking beautifully now, but I totally disagree with those conclusions. If the wine is analysed carefully, you will find the structure is there to hold it together and there is absolutely no hurry to drink this wine. In fact, given time it should be seamless. I will try my next one in 2 years; it should last comfortably till 2010. Rated as Excellent now, I love its elegance and perfect balance.

Post Script – after a couple of hours, the tannins came right up and the wine seemed to be bigger than when first opened.

Thanks Adair

So many of little faith regarding the Flaxmann's SVS but your note a refreshing contrary. I agree, and have mentioned previously, that the wine should build up in time to fill out the frame.

Have found Eden Valley shiraz can seem a little lean in youth, especially tasted alongside wines from the Barossa floor, but do build weight in time.

Virgin Blue always a more pleasant and bearable experience after a few drinks. Did you get your face painted?

While on the subject of Rockfords, the usual problem encountered on the weekend as I was preparing more wines to sell at auction – leaking Black Shiraz's from various vintages! I urge all of you to periodically check your Black Shirazes, a few of the wrappers were saturated despite perfect 14C and 60-75% humidity conditions in my cellar. It's almost enough to pit me off buying them ....

Baby Chickpea wrote:While on the subject of Rockfords, the usual problem encountered on the weekend as I was preparing more wines to sell at auction – leaking Black Shiraz's from various vintages! I urge all of you to periodically check your Black Shirazes, a few of the wrappers were saturated despite perfect 14C and 60-75% humidity conditions in my cellar. It's almost enough to pit me off buying them ....

Danny,

Thanks for the tip. I have all my Black Shiraz in their original packaging and have not been inside the majority of them. I will check them very soon. If there are any that are leaking, I will drink them.

Important Question: To alleviate this leaking issue, do you think that these wines should be stored standing up, given that sparkling wine can be stored standing up? Or do you think that the Black Shiraz that would leak would be more adversely affected if they were standing up?

Any thoughts/help would be appreciated.

Kind regards,
Adair

Adair, this has been an ongoing problem with the Black Shiraz, espcially the 1999 disgorgement. Rockford know about this and if you remember the old Auswine forum from a couple of years back you will recall many posts on this issue (problem with punt size or neck measurements or something????). Either way, Rockford are aware of the problem and replace the bottles no questions asked (in the past- must call them this week).

I would still keep them lying down. Why? Because if the cork/bottles are faulty, then would this not allow further oxidation standing up? If the bottles were leaking on their side at least the wine was in contact with the cork? I'm not sure to be truthful so will ask them when I contact them later this week. Maybe Tyson can help here?? Interestingly I'd like to know how high the fill levels are with the newly released Black Shiraz's (I never have ripped off the capsules) given the leaking bottles have levels now below the capsule!

Baby Chickpea wrote:To alleviate this leaking issue, do you think that these wines should be stored standing up, given that sparkling wine can be stored standing up? Or do you think that the Black Shiraz that would leak would be more adversely affected if they were standing up?
....

Speaking of storing wine standing up... How are people storing their Stevlin sealed bottles? Given that we will no doubt be seeing more non-cork seals, how are all of you out there planning for the changed mix of seals. I am in the process of having to move and have the luxury (if that is the word ... I can think of several other less polite ones) of rebuilding/redesigning my cellar.

David

davidg wrote:

Baby Chickpea wrote:To alleviate this leaking issue, do you think that these wines should be stored standing up, given that sparkling wine can be stored standing up? Or do you think that the Black Shiraz that would leak would be more adversely affected if they were standing up?
....

Speaking of storing wine standing up... How are people storing their Stevlin sealed bottles? Given that we will no doubt be seeing more non-cork seals, how are all of you out there planning for the changed mix of seals. I am in the process of having to move and have the luxury (if that is the word ... I can think of several other less polite ones) of rebuilding/redesigning my cellar.

David

I still put them on their side just to make sure they are sealed properly.

Adair

Spoke to Rockford re: leaking Black Shiraz's. Apparently this is now normal and there is not much the winery can do about it. The reason is that the wine is very thick and unctous and dense with high sugar content and this is the problem. Not sure I understand but ...(interaction with the cork?). And that's why the leaking wine is so sticky and thick. The fill levels are only just above the capsule (for this very reason). They said in over 90% of cases there is absolutely nothing to worry about and the bottles should be fine (I concur with this having drunk many bottles that were leaking that were fine). And yes, this was against non-leaking bottles. So the rule is don't worry about leaking bottles (admittedly rare anyway). If they are oxidised or flat - just keep half the bottle and send them back for replacements. Oh, they said under no circumstances should the bottles be stored upright, given the significant ullage space on bottling. The cork MUST be kept moist.

Baby Chickpea wrote:Spoke to Rockford re: leaking Black Shiraz's. Apparently this is now normal and there is not much the winery can do about it. The reason is that the wine is very thick and unctous and dense with high sugar content and this is the problem. Not sure I understand but ...(interaction with the cork?). And that's why the leaking wine is so sticky and thick. The fill levels are only just above the capsule (for this very reason). They said in over 90% of cases there is absolutely nothing to worry about and the bottles should be fine (I concur with this having drunk many bottles that were leaking that were fine). And yes, this was against non-leaking bottles. So the rule is don't worry about leaking bottles (admittedly rare anyway). If they are oxidised or flat - just keep half the bottle and send them back for replacements. Oh, they said under no circumstances should the bottles be stored upright, given the significant ullage space on bottling. The cork MUST be kept moist.

Thanks Danny.

Adair

TORB wrote:Hi Sue,

Seeing has how Adair can not be drunk this morning as he is posting, something most unusual on Sunday, here is my TN.

Rockford 2000 Basket Press Shiraz June 04

Spice, white pepper, meat, subtle milk chocolate and mint are found on the nose. Flavour profile follows the nose with some additional complexity provided by red and blue spectrum berry fruit flavours, liquorice and clove. It is mid-weight but the fruit is pure and is driving the wine. Tannins are soft and unobtrusive but they provide an excellent backbone to support the structure. Persistence of finish is more than respectable.

I have seen some very average reviews on this wine, but to me it is glorious. In those same reports, early drinking is suggested. Yes, it is drinking beautifully now, but I totally disagree with those conclusions. If the wine is analysed carefully, you will find the structure is there to hold it together and there is absolutely no hurry to drink this wine. In fact, given time it should be seamless. I will try my next one in 2 years; it should last comfortably till 2010. Rated as Excellent now, I love its elegance and perfect balance.

Post Script – after a couple of hours, the tannins came right up and the wine seemed to be bigger than when first opened.

I think I was one of the "average" reviews. The bottle I had was a good wine, 90 point territory, but for my palate it was quite mature and drink now, where other BP vintages would clearly live longer than 4 years.

The caveat here is that as I compare notes to many other forumites, I tend to give earlier drinking windows than many particularly for Barossa and McLaren shiraz.

cheers

Andrew

Wizz wrote:I think I was one of the "average" reviews. The bottle I had was a good wine, 90 point territory, but for my palate it was quite mature and drink now, where other BP vintages would clearly live longer than 4 years.

The caveat here is that as I compare notes to many other forumites, I tend to give earlier drinking windows than many particularly for Barossa and McLaren shiraz.

cheers

Andrew

Yes, that apparent maturity is what had me worried - but it wasn't the greatest of vintages we have to remember. The vintages either side are much better cellaring propositions and a wine of this price should be a cellaring proposition.

SueNZ wrote:Yes, that apparent maturity is what had me worried - but it wasn't the greatest of vintages we have to remember. The vintages either side are much better cellaring propositions and a wine of this price should be a cellaring proposition.

Guys,

I have been trapped with this one before. The 98 Rockford Cab, for example i didn't think would get much better and i was proved wrong big time. Having now had a few older Rockies wines, whilst some will not last, I am now of the opinion that the 2000 may last longer then many of us think. Time will tell, I will open another one in a couple of years to see if I need to drink quickly or if my prediction was right.

Ric,
Three bottles were opened for our tasting and they were all the same, seemed to have moved right into the secondary phase. However, I hope you are right. People were wrong about the 1999 vintage after all. Do you think 2000 may yet surprise ? Though I remember some producers didn't make their top wines this vintage.
Cheers,
Sue

Adair wrote:
2001 Rockford Eden Valley Riesling
Mouthfilling and balanced limey wine with quite deep florals. Heaps of fine acidity taking the wine to all areas of the palate. No holes. Impressive wine. Rated Excellent, this is a beautiful wine getting better with age.

Adair - had this wine tonight and was totally looking forward to it based on your note. It did not disappoint. I thought it simply exquisite and it has everything in there to make it a keeper. There's a delicacy to the wine, lots of blossom and citrus zest with a limey earthiness, I just loved the satin-like texture, it is just starting to develop some fusel notes and it has such wonderful length. It had a full retail of NZ$32.95.
My first Rockford Riesling and hopefully not my last.

Cheers,
Sue

SueNZ wrote:Ric,
Three bottles were opened for our tasting and they were all the same, seemed to have moved right into the secondary phase. However, I hope you are right. People were wrong about the 1999 vintage after all. Do you think 2000 may yet surprise ? Though I remember some producers didn't make their top wines this vintage.
Cheers,
Sue

Hi Sue,

No doubt 2000 was a very average vintage but the bottle I tried in June was not in the secondary stage...yet. Whilst it is deceptively easy to drink, IMO it does have the structure to hold till 2010. As I said, time will tell.

[quote="Adair]2001 Rockford Eden Valley Riesling
Mouthfilling and balanced limey wine with quite deep florals. Heaps of fine acidity taking the wine to all areas of the palate. No holes. Impressive wine. Rated Excellent, this is a beautiful wine getting better with age.[/quote]

Adair,

Did you serve this at Anise last time you were here?

The amount of adulation Rockford receives on this and other boards is unwarranted in my opinion. Some excellent wines and a fair bit of crap amongst them.

For mine;

NV Rockford RD Pinot Chardonnay (Sparkling White)
Prefer one of Southcorp's lower end vintage sparkles

2001 Rockford Eden Valley Riesling
Not in the same stratosphere as much lower priced Clare and Eden examples

2001 Rockford Local Growers Semillon
Next

2004 Rockford White Frontignac
No thanks. If you have to, drink Browns Lexia at half the price

2004 Rockford Alicante Bouchet
ditto, a glass and a half of sugar in every bottle

1999 Rockford Moppa Springs Grenache/Shiraz/Mataro
Boring

2001 Rockford Rod & Spur Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz
Very good wine

1998 Rockford Cabernet Sauvignon
Very good wine

2002 Rockford Cabernet Sauvignon (Rifle Range, I presume)
The 2001 is a very good wine, this was not available when I was there recently

2001 Rockford Basket Press Shiraz
Very good wine, nearly gave it away after that shocking effort last vintage (2000)

1998 Rockford SVS Flaxman Valley Shiraz
1998 Rockford SVS Pressings Shiraz
Prefer the standard 98 to either of these. Over worked

1998 Rockford Vintage Port
Not in the same hemisphere as Hardys/Reynell

SueNZ wrote:

Adair wrote:2001 Rockford Eden Valley Riesling
Mouthfilling and balanced limey wine with quite deep florals. Heaps of fine acidity taking the wine to all areas of the palate. No holes. Impressive wine. Rated Excellent, this is a beautiful wine getting better with age.

Adair - had this wine tonight and was totally looking forward to it based on your note. It did not disappoint. I thought it simply exquisite and it has everything in there to make it a keeper. There's a delicacy to the wine, lots of blossom and citrus zest with a limey earthiness, I just loved the satin-like texture, it is just starting to develop some fusel notes and it has such wonderful length. It had a full retail of NZ$32.95.
My first Rockford Riesling and hopefully not my last.
Cheers,
Sue

Hello Sue,

I was a bit concerned with your note as I began reading it, I was waiting for the big "BUT" (indicating that a negative comment was about to come ), however, I am glad you thoroughly enjoyed it.

You will probably be interested to know that in general terms, 2001 was a good year for Eden Valley Riesling but 2002 is better, and 2003 even better than 2002, so you should look forward to trying the next few releases as well. I do!

Thanks for the note,
Adair

Hello Apollo,

Thank you for your comments. You obviously recently visited the Rockford CD and I thought it worthwhile to reply to a few of your opinions...

Apollo wrote:NV Rockford RD Pinot Chardonnay (Sparkling White)
Prefer one of Southcorp's lower end vintage sparkles

We look to be in agreement here. Not matter how good the winemaking, the wine is "made" in the vineyard, and this wine does not have good fruit, which is why I did not rate it.

Apollo wrote:2001 Rockford Eden Valley Riesling
Not in the same stratosphere as much lower priced Clare and Eden examples

First, from memory, this wine is $17.50. Second, I do not agree at all. Not only do Sue and I appreciate this wine greater than you, but many of my friends who are much more Riesling focussed wine drinkers than myself are fans of this wine. The point I think you should note, especially as you mentioned "Clare and Eden" examples, is that this wine is made in a significantly different style than the majority, which is why it is released later. If you are looking for flinty, acid-jumping Riesling, please go back to your cheaper examples.
I really think that you are on your own here with this wine, not that there is anything wrong with that.
Lastly, and not totally related, I have not yet been able to appreciate the difference in price between the Vine Vale and the Eden Valley.

Apollo wrote:2001 Rockford Local Growers Semillon
Next

Agreed.

Apollo wrote:2004 Rockford White Frontignac
No thanks. If you have to, drink Browns Lexia at half the price

2004 Rockford Alicante Bouchet
ditto, a glass and a half of sugar in every bottle

You obviously do not like wine with residual, which is fine, but your comments are really no more than off-the-cuff insults that will have the same effect as water off a duck's back. Specifically with regard to the Alicante, interestingly the Alicante Bouchet in my experience is Rockford's 2nd most famous wines. The number of times Rockford wines come up in conversation with some then asks/commenting about the Alicante Bouchet, as opposed to any other wine, is amazing.
You would have read my comments about residual and previous year's Alicante Bouchets. I am sure I would have found you comments to those wines even more funny. The first fact, in my mind (which is therefore arguable), is that the sugar in the Alicante does not hinder the fruit, but like most roses it is obvious enough for the taster to know it is there. The 2nd fact, which is unarguable, is that this wine will be sold out quickly and many people will be happy that you are not buying any.

Apollo wrote:1999 Rockford Moppa Springs Grenache/Shiraz/Mataro
Boring

As my notes indicate, I agree with you here but I do appreciate the way the sweet jam of the Grenache is not allowed to dominate.

Apollo wrote:2001 Rockford Rod & Spur Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz
Very good wine

Ditto

Apollo wrote:1998 Rockford Cabernet Sauvignon
Very good wine

Ditto

Apollo wrote:2002 Rockford Cabernet Sauvignon (Rifle Range, I presume)
The 2001 is a very good wine, this was not available when I was there recently

I was/am a big fan of the 2001 but believe the 2002 to be even better.

Apollo wrote:2001 Rockford Basket Press Shiraz
Very good wine, nearly gave it away after that shocking effort last vintage (2000)

Ditto and can't really comment as indicated above.

Apollo wrote:1998 Rockford SVS Flaxman Valley Shiraz
1998 Rockford SVS Pressings Shiraz
Prefer the standard 98 to either of these. Over worked

You comment that the standard BP being better than either of these is probably an opinion held by many, dare I say by most. However, your comment of "over worked" really needs some justification. I have never read anyone saying that a Rockford Shiraz is overworked. How is it so? Please comment. To me these wines convey exactly the opposite. Actually, the reason why these wines are made are to display natural characters of grapes from a particular vineyard. This would only be minimised if the wines were over worked. The only hint of justificaton I can come up with for this comment is that you think the heavy basket pressing the pressings for the Pressings SVS is overworking it.

Apollo wrote:1998 Rockford Vintage Port
Not in the same hemisphere as Hardys/Reynell

I don't have any strong opinion against your comment here except that I believe you are comparing "apples against oranges" in terms of VP styles.

Apollo wrote:The amount of adulation Rockford receives on this and other boards is unwarranted in my opinion. Some excellent wines and a fair bit of crap amongst them.

Lastly, I think there are far more influential, more important and more wine knowledgeable people who adulate Rockford than people on this and other boards. Next time you are in the Barossa, maybe you should ask a few non-Rockford employed people why this is the case.

Thanks again for your comments.

Kind regards,
Adair