Although there are a number of good examples of Cabernet Sauvignon from the Barossa Valley, it is not a region that always delivers varietal character when it comes to this regal grape. However, the 2002 Rockford Rifle Range Cabernet Sauvignon can only be Cabernet; sweet cassis and blackberry set the stage, followed by a big whack of bell pepper. Read the textbooks, and this overt bell pepper could be down to under-ripe grapes. Pyrazines are compounds that are present in the Cabernet Sauvignon grape and contribute the bell pepper character; they gradually dissipate with sunlight as the grapes ripen.
Whether or not you like or dislike your bell peppers, the Rifle Range Cabernet Sauvignon is a rich, but well balanced wine at the mid-point in its maturation cycle. The tannins have softened, but there’s plenty of life in the wine as yet; one to check on in 3 or 4 years time.
2002 RIFLE RANGE CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Producer: Rockford
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon et al
Vintage: 2002
Region: Barossa Valley, South Australia
ABV: 14.0%
Closure: Natural cork
Format: 750ml
Retail price: N/a
Date tasted: 6 January 2012
Tasting Note:
Deep plum red. Bell pepper, blackcurrant and blackberry, slightly resinous. Medium bodied, soft tannins, sour plum, damson and blackberry, bell peppers. Touch of pencil shaving oak. The bell pepper character is quite pronounced, and could be off-putting for some. Drinking well now, and should evolve further over the next 5 or so years.
Score: 16/20
Whether or not you like or dislike your bell peppers, the Rifle Range Cabernet Sauvignon is a rich, but well balanced wine at the mid-point in its maturation cycle. The tannins have softened, but there’s plenty of life in the wine as yet; one to check on in 3 or 4 years time.
2002 RIFLE RANGE CABERNET SAUVIGNONProducer: Rockford
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon et al
Vintage: 2002
Region: Barossa Valley, South Australia
ABV: 14.0%
Closure: Natural cork
Format: 750ml
Retail price: N/a
Date tasted: 6 January 2012
Tasting Note:
Deep plum red. Bell pepper, blackcurrant and blackberry, slightly resinous. Medium bodied, soft tannins, sour plum, damson and blackberry, bell peppers. Touch of pencil shaving oak. The bell pepper character is quite pronounced, and could be off-putting for some. Drinking well now, and should evolve further over the next 5 or so years.
Score: 16/20
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