Rockfords discussion

[edshort]

Tried it last week. Not too shabby. For me the RR Cab stands out as their best wine.

Here's a pic of some of their old grenache and cab

Very nice,

 

[iamsuperandrew]

Open a 2004 Moppa Springs last night which was absolutely divine

 

[WrenchHammerMcTool]

October '25 releases:
'22 BP $92
'22 RR $67
'20 HCG $60
'22 R&S $49
'22 MS $39
'25d BS $93

 

[edshort]

October '25 releases:
'22 BP $92
'22 RR $67
'20 HCG $60
'22 R&S $49
'22 MS $39
'25d BS $93

Definitely getting a B Shiraz this week too.

 

[hwy]

I saw Liquorland Warehouse asking $280 for 2021 BP the past week. So I guess $92 plus postage is a big buy.

 

[WrenchHammerMcTool]

I saw Liquorland Warehouse asking $280 for 2021 BP the past week. So I guess $92 plus postage is a big buy.

$150 at Langtons (auction)

 

[iamsuperandrew]

reading this makes me want to open a BP tonight

 

[iamsuperandrew]

October '25 releases:
'22 BP $92
'22 RR $67
'20 HCG $60
'22 R&S $49
'22 MS $39
'25d BS $93

Whats the HCG?

 

[qaz]

Whats the HCG?

probably typo of Dry Country Grenache

 

[WrenchHammerMcTool]

probably typo of Dry Country Grenache

Well and truly typo
I was probably thinking high country grenache

 

[GDSman]

My Rockford's order arrived yesterday. Been a Stonewaller since 1992 (the week I arrived in Australia). 5 x Alicante Bouchet (wife's favourite) 5 x Frugal Farmer (great quaffer) and 2 x Basket Press which is now at an eye-watering $92/btl...Straight into the wine fridge for the Basket Press to get a bit of age on them...

 

[concussed]

Has any tried the ‘22? Bit of discussion about low ratings and a thin BP.

 

[Daver6]

Has any tried the ‘22? Bit of discussion about low ratings and a thin BP.

I'll be at the winrey later next month and can report back, if no one else has prior.

 

[iamsuperandrew]

My Rockford's order arrived yesterday. Been a Stonewaller since 1992 (the week I arrived in Australia). 5 x Alicante Bouchet (wife's favourite) 5 x Frugal Farmer (great quaffer) and 2 x Basket Press which is now at an eye-watering $92/btl...Straight into the wine fridge for the Basket Press to get a bit of age on them...

Whats the FF like? never tried it

 

[WrenchHammerMcTool]

Been a Stonewaller since 1992

The Stone Wall Society was only formed in 2000?? 2000 Rag

Has any tried the ‘22? Bit of discussion about low ratings and a thin BP.

I thought the '22 was ok, not blow your socks off but hasnt been that way for years. There was a period not so long ago where the BP was a bit wanting, but I think they’ve turned a bit for the better in last few years. That said, and noting its not what's being asked, there are far better Barossa shirazes out there for the money.

 

[GDSman]

Whats the FF like? never tried it

It's a good quaffer in my view. Blend which, possibly due to the inclusion of Alicante Bouchet is on the light side - good lunch red...

 

[GDSman]

The Stone Wall Society was only formed in 2000?? 2000 Rag View attachment 478404

I thought the '22 was ok, not blow your socks off but hasnt been that way for years. There was a period not so long ago where the BP was a bit wanting, but I think they’ve turned a bit for the better in last few years. That said, and noting its not what's being asked, there are far better Barossa shirazes out there for the money.

Really? Was there a membership of some sort before then that members of which were grandfathered into StoneWall when it was formed? I'm certain I signed up and received correspondence/offers from back then. Happy to be corrected on what must be a false memory...

 

[hwy]

Really? Was there a membership of some sort before then that members of which were grandfathered into StoneWall when it was formed? I'm certain I signed up and received correspondence/offers from back then. Happy to be corrected on what must be a false memory...

Not a false memory but just one dulled by drinking years and years of Rockfords and maybe even some other wines thrown into the mix.

I did a vertical of all Basket Presses last year going back to 98 and by far the standouts were around 2000- 2005. I know it's not all equal, but I agree that the past several vintages have been a little wanting for better structure, but trying to balance the tannins which since the 2019 vintage seems to have got a heck of a lot more chewier. Just my thoughts.

 

[redbigot]

I thought the '22 was ok, not blow your socks off but hasnt been that way for years. There was a period not so long ago where the BP was a bit wanting, but I think they’ve turned a bit for the better in last few years. That said, and noting its not what's being asked, there are far better Barossa shirazes out there for the money.

I stopped buying Rockford for myself after the 2010 vintage and sold off what I had. I'm still a Stonewaller and buy occasionally for other people. I've tried a fair number of releases since, haven't bought any.
Here’s some of what I’ve bought a fair amount of instead of Rockford BP, alpha order, vintage cherry picking, I have no brand loyalty.
Chris Ringland North Barossa
Dutschke St Jak and Oscar until they closed
Elderton Command (just bought more 2021 at $90pb, brilliant wine)
Gibson Reserve
Hayes Family Shiraz, various
John Duval Entity
Kalleske Eduard
Kellermeister Wild Witch
Langmeil Orphan Bank
Saltram #1
Standish
Teusner Albert
Tim Smith Reserve.

Add in Eden Valley and there are more (hmm not sure they are all EV, but anyway)
Dandelion Red Queen
Heirloom A’Lambra
Hobbs Gregor
Sorby Adams The Thing
Torzi Frost Dodger

 

[WrenchHammerMcTool]

Really? Was there a membership of some sort before then that members of which were grandfathered into StoneWall when it was formed? I'm certain I signed up and received correspondence/offers from back then. Happy to be corrected on what must be a false memory...

Prior to 2000 I think it was simply the mailing list, which for a number of years in late '90s was probably oversubscribed/had a waiting list, hence the formation of the SW Society. If you were on the mailing list in '99/'00, you were offered SW Society membership. I signed up to the mailing list in '94 or '95, and became a SWS member straight up in 2000.

And, FYI as a side, if this was you, you were given a member code ending in 029. So don't think you're the 29th person with similar initials, just means you're an original member. Subsequent members with same initials from then start with 001. ('029' was chosen so that people weren't w@nkers about "being #1"...)