Overview
Rockford Rifle Range Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 is a Barossa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from South Australia, made by one of the region's most respected traditional producers.
This mature release shows the classic Rifle Range style, combining Barossa Cabernet structure, savoury detail and collector appeal from an old-vintage Rockford bottling.
Vintage & Winemaking
Rockford Rifle Range Cabernet Sauvignon pays homage to its historic roots along Rifle Range Road, once home to a rifle range and now a road leading through the Barossa Valley toward Kaiser Stuhl National Park.
The vineyards supplying the grapes for this wine are among Rockford's most important sources for Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine is made in Rockford's traditional style and aged for two years in large, seasoned oak vats and hogsheads.
Product Highlights
- 92/100 from Wine Enthusiast
- 92/100 from Jeremy Oliver
- Mature Barossa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
- 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
- Classic Rifle Range release from Rockford Wines
- Collector bottle from the 2003 vintage
Critic Scores & Reviews
92/100 — Wine Enthusiast · 2003 Vintage · Tasted: Jan 2007
“Despite a challenging year in the Barossa, especially for Cabernet, this is a charming, medium-bodied wine that should drink well for the next 8 years or so.”
92/100 — Jeremy Oliver · 2003 Vintage · Tasted: Jan 2004
Tasting Notes
Appearance
Mature red wine appearance.
Aroma
Slightly leafy and herbal aromas, with red currant fruit and savoury Cabernet character.
Palate
Medium-bodied, charming and well-ripened, showing typical Cabernet structure and mature Barossa depth.
Finish
Long on the finish, with lingering Cabernet savouriness.
Food Pairing
Suggested pairings include beef and venison, beef stifado, Indian lamb kofta, Nebraska grain fed ribeye and Gouda.
About the Producer
Rockford Wines is based in the Barossa Valley and was founded by Robert O'Callaghan in the early 1980s.
The winery is known for traditional Barossa methods, working with independent growers and using equipment such as basket presses and open-topped slate fermenters.
Specifications
- Vintage: 2003
- Grape Variety: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
- Region: Barossa Valley / South Australia / Australia
- Maturation: Two years in large, seasoned oak vats and hogsheads
- Sweetness: Dry
- Closure: Cork
