$91.90
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Region: Barossa Valley
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon
First Glance: Rich and Soft, Herbs, Structured
Acclaim: 95pts
The Wine:
"Rifle Range Road which runs parallel to Krondorf Road, starts in the heart of the valley floor and winds its way up the hills to Kaiser Stuhl National Park. The old rifle range is long gone, but the farming land and vineyards that have always been part of the landscape are still there. Because most of our Cabernet Sauvignon comes from vineyards adjacent to Rifle Range Road, it seemed the most appropriate name for this wine which has been part of Rockford since the very beginning."
Although the wine shows typical varietal and regional characteristics, it also has the Rockford philosophy at its core – a rich, soft and full flavoured wine made using traditional winemaking techniques and attitudes. Aging the wine in large, seasoned oak vats (4500 litres) and hogsheads (300 litres) for two years has allowed the wine to consolidate flavours and colour, while softening tannins.
The Review:
Gary Walsh, The Wine Front - 95pts
"If you’re a fan of Rockford, and indeed Rifle Range, then this won’t disappoint. It’s red and black fruited with dark chocolate flavours, some tobacco, slight mint and baking spice, but has that pleasing rose and vanilla perfume that these wines often show. It supple and flows along really nicely, though despite the stated alcohol, it does taste quite ripe, though that’s an observation, not a problem. Lavish fruit, but with a savoury component, and good balance throughout. Tannin is there, sooty and gently chewy. The length is good too. It’s sort of a warm hug from the Barossa in terms of Cabernet style, but it’s a lovely wine, and thoroughly charming."
