Rockford Wines, established by Robert O’Callaghan in 1984, is one of the Barossa Valley’s most beloved and traditional producers. The Basket Press Shiraz stands as the estate’s flagship wine—crafted using time-honoured methods including hand harvesting, open fermentation, basket pressing, and maturation in seasoned oak casks. It remains a benchmark for Barossa heritage, expressing regional authenticity, depth, and restraint.
Vineyard
The 1997 Basket Press Shiraz was sourced from a network of dry-grown, low-yielding old-vine Shiraz vineyards across the Barossa Valley, with some plantings dating back to the late 19th century. Each site contributes complexity—ranging from deep fruit concentration in the valley floor to aromatic lift and minerality from higher-altitude blocks. Traditional basket pressing and extended maturation in seasoned French and American oak allowed the natural vineyard character to shine through.
Vintage
The 1997 vintage in the Barossa was cooler than average, resulting in elegant, medium-bodied wines with fine structure and subtlety rather than overt richness. This vintage of Basket Press Shiraz shows a more restrained and savoury style compared to the warmer surrounding years, yet retains superb definition, balance, and age-worthiness.
Tasting Notes
Now fully mature, the 1997 Rockford Basket Press Shiraz displays a deep garnet colour with brick-red edges. The bouquet reveals aromas of blackberry, plum, tobacco leaf, leather, and warm earth, layered with cedar and subtle spice. The palate is medium-bodied and beautifully balanced, offering dark fruit, mocha, and savoury spice supported by silky tannins. The finish is long, harmonious, and elegant—an exemplar of aged Barossa Shiraz at its most graceful.
Critics’ Acclaim
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94 points – James Halliday
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93 points – Jeremy Oliver
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Langton’s Classification: “Excellent”
Admired for its finesse, balance, and traditional craftsmanship, the 1997 vintage showcases the elegance of Rockford’s old-vine fruit in a cooler season.
Technical Information
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Region: Barossa Valley, South Australia
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Variety: 100% Shiraz
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Alcohol: ~14%
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Maturation: 24 months in seasoned French and American oak
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Closure: Cork
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Drinking Window: 2005–2035+
A Collectible Gem
The 1997 Rockford Basket Press Shiraz is a refined and expressive vintage that captures the soulful, artisanal essence of Barossa winemaking. With its balance of fruit, earth, and maturity, it remains a treasured collectible from one of Australia’s most iconic producers.
