NV Rockford Sparkling Black Shiraz ('17)

Wine Maker & Proprietor – Robert O’Callahan “I’ll never forget a Sparkling Shiraz I found in my father’s cellar at Seppelt’s Barooga vineyard when I was a kid – I can taste it now. Many years later, when I worked at Seppelt’s Rutherglen, I met Colin Preece, the master responsible for the great old wines. Ever since, I’ve wanted to make a wine of my own that reflected his attitude and technique. This is it: Black Shiraz matured in seasoned oak, revitalised by bottle fermentation, left on lees before disgorgement and liqueuring, and then put straight back into the cellar. You’d be doing us both a favour if you left it there a bit longer so it can really show its best. But watch your kids.” Unlike many of the newcomers, the Rockford Black Sparkling Shiraz uses the time honoured method of ageing quality Shiraz in wood for many years prior to blending and bottle fermentation. The result is softness, depth and complex flavours that are impossible to duplicate in young wines. Sparkling Shiraz made like this is a key-stone of Australia's wine heritage; Black Shiraz ensures that this very Australian wine, nurtured by generations of wine makers is never lost.