Rockford’s much sought after Black Shiraz is a non-vintage bottling. Thankfully, the back label carries a date of disgorgement, giving one an idea of age. In the interest of science, a few bottles of old Black Shiraz were locked away, just to see how they would develop in bottle. A cool Friday night in September seemed as good excuse as any to shake the cobwebs off a bottle and see how it was performing.
For those that like the stuff, the 1998 disgorgement of Rockford Black Shiraz delivers pleasure in spades. If you’re sitting on the odd bottle or two, or perhaps even a 6-pack, no need to rush, this wine’s got a good decade or so in the tank. The only trouble is resisting temptation!
N.V. BLACK SHIRAZ (SEPTEMBER 1998 DISGORGEMENT)
Producer: Rockford
Variety: Sparkling Shiraz
Vintage: Non-vintage
Region: Barossa Valley, South Australia
ABV: 13.5%
Price: N/a
Closure: Natural cork
Format: 750ml
Date tasted: 17 September 2011
Tasting Note:
Pours mid ruby with a lovely candy pink mousse, fine bubbles. Liqueured cherries and damsons on the nose together with a touch of spice, reflected on the palate. The wine is exceptionally well balanced. Based on experience with bottles of Seppelt Show Reserve Sparkling Shiraz from the 1980’s, this particularly disgorgement should continue to develop for many years to come.
Score: 17+/20
For those that like the stuff, the 1998 disgorgement of Rockford Black Shiraz delivers pleasure in spades. If you’re sitting on the odd bottle or two, or perhaps even a 6-pack, no need to rush, this wine’s got a good decade or so in the tank. The only trouble is resisting temptation!
N.V. BLACK SHIRAZ (SEPTEMBER 1998 DISGORGEMENT) Producer: Rockford
Variety: Sparkling Shiraz
Vintage: Non-vintage
Region: Barossa Valley, South Australia
ABV: 13.5%
Price: N/a
Closure: Natural cork
Format: 750ml
Date tasted: 17 September 2011
Tasting Note:
Pours mid ruby with a lovely candy pink mousse, fine bubbles. Liqueured cherries and damsons on the nose together with a touch of spice, reflected on the palate. The wine is exceptionally well balanced. Based on experience with bottles of Seppelt Show Reserve Sparkling Shiraz from the 1980’s, this particularly disgorgement should continue to develop for many years to come.
Score: 17+/20
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