Ranked #14 of 17 1996 Shiraz from Barossa Valley
88/100
3.5 Stars
Huon Hooke
Good deep colour and a very full body, the tannins firm and assertive. The bouquet is very leathery and the wine has quite a lot of brettanomyces. It's a real pity as it has excellent depth and concentration. It's still quite youthful. It would be a superb wine if it was clean. Other bottles may be better
Tasted: 23/08/2019
Drink: 2019 to 2019
94 Points Robert Parker
A wine of majestic strength and power, richness and harmony, this full-bodied behemoth shows velvety tannin, 45+ seconds length, and knockout aromas of blackberry liqueur intermixed with licorice, smoke, and meaty notes. The wine is viscous yet nicely supported by acidity and ripe tannin. Still extremely youthful and unevolved, this wine will benefit from another 2-3 years of cellaring and keep for 20-25 years. This is undoubtedly a great vintage of Rockford. Drink 2004 - 2027.
Source: Robert Parker (Robert Parker Wine Advocate) by Robert M. Parker, Jr.
A wine of majestic strength and power, richness and harmony, this full-bodied behemoth shows velvety tannin, 45+ seconds length, and knockout aromas of blackberry liqueur intermixed with licorice, smoke, and meaty notes. The wine is viscous yet nicely supported by acidity and ripe tannin. Still extremely youthful and unevolved, this wine will benefit from another 2-3 years of cellaring and keep for 20-25 years. This is undoubtedly a great vintage of Rockford.Source: Robert Parker (eRobertParker.com) February, 2002 by Robert Parker