Founded in 1984 by Robert O’Callaghan, Rockford Wines has become one of the Barossa Valley’s most beloved and traditional producers. The Basket Press Shiraz is the estate’s flagship wine, crafted using time-honoured techniques — hand-harvested fruit, open fermentation, gentle basket pressing, and maturation in seasoned oak casks. It is a benchmark Barossa Shiraz, revered for its authenticity, consistency, and timeless style.
Vineyard
The 1999 Basket Press Shiraz was sourced from a network of dry-grown, low-yielding old-vine Shiraz vineyards across the Barossa Valley, including growers in Krondorf, Moppa Springs, and Kalimna. Many of these vines date back to the late 19th century, producing fruit of incredible concentration and complexity. The wine was matured for 24 months in a mix of seasoned French and American oak, allowing the fruit to express its full regional character.
Vintage
The 1999 vintage was marked by mild, steady conditions in the Barossa Valley following a cool spring and a dry, even ripening period. The resulting wines show elegant structure, moderate alcohol, and beautifully balanced fruit and acidity. The 1999 Basket Press Shiraz stands out for its poise and refinement, representing one of the more classically proportioned vintages of the decade.
Tasting Notes
The 1999 Rockford Basket Press Shiraz displays a deep garnet colour with a soft brick rim. Aromas of blackberry, plum, cedar, and dried herbs mingle with hints of tobacco, mocha, and warm earth. The palate is medium to full-bodied and beautifully balanced, offering layers of dark fruit, spice, and savoury complexity framed by silky, mature tannins. The finish is long and harmonious, with notes of leather and subtle oak integration — a graceful, fully evolved expression of Barossa tradition.
Critics’ Acclaim
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95 points – James Halliday Wine Companion
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94 points – Huon Hooke, The Real Review
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Langton’s Classification: “Excellent”
Celebrated for its balance, elegance, and longevity — a vintage that embodies the traditional Rockford style.
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: 2006–2035+
A Collectible Gem
The 1999 Rockford Basket Press Shiraz is a beautifully mature example of classic Barossa craftsmanship. Combining savoury complexity, fine structure, and enduring balance, it exemplifies the estate’s old-world approach — a wine of quiet power and lasting elegance.
