Selfvingster

9.4

I received a bottle of Rockford as a 40th birthday gift, a wine I wasn’t familiar with at the time. After five years of aging, I opened it in the company of good friends – and what an experience! A rich and well-balanced wine, with intense flavors of berries and plums that really impressed. Wow, a wine that captivates with its harmony and depth. — 19 days ago

with Henrik, Gus and 1 other

Andrew Cullimore

9.2

Deep ruby , thin ruby rim . More discreet on the nose than the explosive Grange . More blackberry , dark plum , with a slight toasty note . Dark blackberry , cassis, red plum , good acidity and medium bodied , slightly more spiced palate . Balanced acidity and quite suave polished medium tannins . Just a hint of warmth on the good length finish . Compared to the Grange this comes across as slightly lighter in body and intensity with less of the Grange’s mineral complexity. Again requires time , but with food drank well , better in 5-10 years and will last well a further 10-15 . — 2 months ago

Daniel M

9.1

After Thorne shotfire barossa shiraz which was round, very oaky and lacking a bit of acid, I wanted another expression of the same varietal from the same region, but with more zing to it.
Boy this one is zingy!
The nose is showing blackberry, black pepper, a tiny soy sauce note along with an eucalyptus thing. This is very inviting and quite complex! The palate shows a massive acid drive, extremely powerful, but not overpowering at all. A big and bright blackberry note shines through and through, some width, some matter on the sides, a silky mouthfeel that turns into a great tannic wall in the rear with a strong grip and a drying effect that continues till the very end. The finish is all about blackberry and a reminiscence of that eucalyptus /mentholy note that could be felt on the nose. The finish is long and the after taste of blackberry keeps on for almost a minute. Great take on Australian Shiraz, without the artificial, sometimes overwhelming oak treatment. I like it very much. Two hands deserve a high five! — 4 months ago

Alexander Bastian Nielsen

9.0

Spiced bramble, baked plums, touch of smoke, dried herbs, bbq, meat, big bold and beautiful.
Deep concentrated flavour with good structure. — 23 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

Rich, supple and delicious. A prime example of what the Barossa does so well, particularly in a good vintage. Blackberry, blackcurrant, dark chocolate and coffee grounds. Barb thought too much coconut oak but I didn’t think it was excessive. The next night ripe plum and oak- rich and mouth filling - through to the mid 2030’s. Your choice - rich and fruit driven or developed savoury notes or somewhere in between. — 2 months ago

Jay Kline

9.2

Popped and poured, enjoyed over the course of a couple hours. The 1998 “Command” pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity and moderate staining of the tears. Definitely some fine sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of ripe and mostly dried black and red fruits: brambles, blueberries, blackberries, dates, grilled meat, leather, purple flowers, marjoram, earth and soft baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin (mostly integrated) and medium acid. Confirming the notes from the nose with the addition of an umami/Maillard reaction sort of thing giving a rich, savory finish. Drink now as it’s in slow decline. — 2 months ago

Ron Siegel

9.3

Grange tasting flight 4
The 96 Hill of Grace was the better wine & group liked it where the 14 was mostly primary & would need more time — a month ago

Bob McDonald

9.4

The first vintage of Bin 150 was 2008 so this 2010 was probably the best to that point. Very dark Ruby in colour - impenetrable. The nose has blood plum and blackberry with mocha and cocoa aromas. The palate is rich, dense and full bodied. Opulent with blackberry and dark chocolate. Built to last for decades. A very Barossa Penfolds Shiraz. — 2 months ago

Yan Gagnon

9.3

Assemblage de Shiraz, de Merlot, de Cabernet Sauvignon et Franc provenant de vielles vignes de la Barossa. Super nez de fruits noirs, tabac, cuir qui s'ouvre avec un peu de temps. La bouche est suave, avec des tanins souples. La finale est longue et savoureuse. Hill of grace ! Un jour. — 4 months ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.1

Blend of Shiraz (77%), Cabernet Sauvignon (16%) and Merlot (7%). Deep purple core with a lighter ruby rim. Aromas of cooked blueberries, plums and dark chocolate. Same fruits on the palate with additional spicy notes of black pepper and black licorice. Long and fruity finish. Creamy texture with soft and velvety tannins. The acidity is still quite lively. Medium-plus body. Aged beautifully. Thanks for the gift, Petey! — 5 months ago