2020 Rockford Basket Press Shiraz 1.5L Magnum WB

The 2020 Rockford Basket Press Shiraz Magnum is a magnificent large-format release of one of Australia's most iconic wines. Produced by Rockford Wines in the Barossa Valley, the Basket Press Shiraz has earned legendary status for its traditional winemaking, exceptional consistency, and remarkable ageing potential. Presented in a 1.5-litre Magnum, this format offers slower, more graceful bottle maturation, making it highly sought after by collectors and ideal for long-term cellaring.

Crafted from a network of old-vine vineyards across the Barossa Valley and Eden Valley, many planted between 60 and over 100 years ago, Basket Press Shiraz reflects Rockford's enduring relationships with local grower families and its commitment to preserving the region's rich viticultural heritage.

The 2020 vintage delivered excellent fruit quality, producing Shiraz with generous concentration, vibrant fruit character, and beautifully balanced tannins. True to Rockford's traditional philosophy, the grapes were fermented in open slate and wooden fermenters before being gently pressed using the winery's historic basket press. The wine was then matured in a combination of seasoned American and French oak, allowing the purity of the fruit and vineyard character to remain the focus.

The bouquet is rich and expressive, revealing aromas of blackberry, black plum, blueberry, and dark cherry, complemented by notes of dark chocolate, liquorice, vanilla bean, cedar, mocha, baking spices, and subtle eucalyptus. As the wine matures, it will develop further layers of leather, tobacco, forest floor, and savoury complexity.

The palate is full-bodied, powerful, and beautifully balanced. Generous dark berry fruits are supported by velvety tannins, vibrant natural acidity, and seamlessly integrated oak. Rich and concentrated without excessive heaviness, the wine displays remarkable harmony and length, finishing with lingering notes of blackberry, spice, cocoa, and fine oak.

The 1.5L Magnum format provides an even slower ageing trajectory than the standard bottle, allowing the wine to develop extraordinary complexity over several decades. While enjoyable with extended decanting in its youth, this is a wine destined for long-term cellaring.

Winery: Rockford Wines
Region: Barossa Valley & Eden Valley, South Australia
Variety: Shiraz
Vintage: 2020
Bottle Size: 1.5L Magnum (1500ml)
Style: Full-Bodied Traditional Barossa Shiraz
Closure: Cork

Food Pairing: Slow-roasted lamb shoulder, dry-aged ribeye, Wagyu beef, venison, braised beef cheeks, game meats, and mature hard cheeses.

Cellaring

The 2020 Rockford Basket Press Shiraz Magnum is expected to drink beautifully from 2028 to 2050+, with the larger bottle format providing exceptional longevity and graceful development.