NV Sparkling Black Shiraz
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Tasting notes
Spending between 9-12 months on tirage, this is based on a mother blend that dates back to 1978 and is one-third bottled each year and topped up with the current vintage. The Rockford VP forms the basis of the dosage liqueur. This has such a tarry nose with a wealth of fresh and attractive blackberries and dark plums on offer, and delivers a smooth, creamy, dark chocolate infused finish. Thereâs a very balanced core in play here. Disgorged in 2017. Delicious to drink now, but this really ages well. Try with 10-plus years aging on cork.
Critic scores
Average Score
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
One of the best sparkling Shiraz I've ever tasted, the August 2017 disgorgement of Rockford's NV Black Shiraz is a beauty. Loaded with chocolate and black cherry notes, it's medium to full-bodied, rich, dark and concentrated, with a long, dusty finish. These wines are ready to drink when released and typically should be consumed over the next 3-4 years.
Sparkling. Sweet black fruit, juicy yet sophisticated and balanced. Long and intense – loads of American oak, but if you can't have that in Aussie Shiraz, where can you have it? Absolutely delicious! (RH)