Rockford Basket Press Shiraz 2005

Tasted along side the 1993 Penfolds Grange, Rockford’s Basket Press shiraz from the 2005 vintage was far from humbled.  Dollar for dollar, it is the sensible choice.  A deep ruby in colour, the 2005 “Basket Press” has aromatics of baked plum, dried green herbs, green tinned peppercorn, currants, cedar wood and non-bretty leather.  On the palate, there’s a lot going on.  Vanilla, plums, ripe blackberry, currant and mulberry are identifiable and the length is long.  Overall, it’s difficult to call this wine as anything other than outstanding due to its balance, long length and its fruit power.  There is also some complexity in its fruit expression which, ever so slightly, is starting to relax.  Drink over the next 10 years. Rating: Outstanding. Abv: 14.5%. Website: http://www.rockfordwines.com.au. Tasted: August 2013