Rockford Rod and Spur 2019: A Classic Australian Blend
Rockford Rod and Spur 2019 Shiraz Cabernet is a quintessential Australian red blend that brings together two of the country’s most iconic grape varieties: Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. Crafted by Rockford Wines in the Barossa Valley, this wine represents the perfect marriage of Shiraz’s bold, spicy character and Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure and elegance. The result is a wine that is both powerful and refined, offering a rich and complex drinking experience that embodies the best of Australian winemaking tradition.
The Shiraz Cabernet Blend
The blend of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic in Australian winemaking, known for producing wines of great depth, complexity, and age-worthiness. Shiraz, the dominant grape in the blend, contributes intense flavors of ripe black fruit, pepper, and spice, along with a plush, full-bodied texture. Cabernet Sauvignon, on the other hand, adds structure, tannins, and a touch of cassis and mint, lending the wine a refined backbone and enhancing its ability to age gracefully. Together, these varietals create a harmonious balance of power and finesse, making Rockford Rod and Spur 2019 Shiraz Cabernet a standout in its category.
Tasting Notes
Rockford Rod and Spur 2019 Shiraz Cabernet displays a deep garnet color in the glass, indicative of its richness and concentration. On the nose, the wine is expressive and layered, with aromas of blackberry, plum, and blackcurrant intermingling with notes of dark chocolate, tobacco, and a hint of vanilla from oak aging. Subtle nuances of mint, eucalyptus, and earthy spices add further complexity to the aromatic profile.
On the palate, this wine is full-bodied and well-structured, with a generous core of ripe black fruit flavors, including blackberry, black cherry, and cassis. The Shiraz component brings a rich, velvety texture and a peppery spiciness that adds warmth and depth to the wine. The Cabernet Sauvignon adds firm tannins and a fresh acidity, providing balance and length to the palate. Notes of dark chocolate, espresso, and cedar contribute to the wine’s complexity, leading to a long, satisfying finish that lingers with hints of black fruit, spice, and fine-grained tannins.
Rockford Rod and Spur Shiraz Cabernet is a wine that can be enjoyed now for its vibrant fruit and bold character, but it also has the potential to age beautifully over the next decade or more, with the tannins softening and the flavors becoming even more integrated and nuanced.
Food Pairing Suggestions
The robust and complex nature of Rockford Rod and Spur Shiraz Cabernet makes it an ideal companion for hearty and flavorful dishes. Its bold flavors and firm structure allow it to stand up to rich, meaty dishes, while its balanced acidity and tannins keep the pairing lively and enjoyable.
For a classic pairing, serve this wine with grilled or roasted red meats, such as a ribeye steak, lamb chops, or a beef tenderloin. The wine’s bold fruit and spice will complement the savory, charred flavors of the meat, while its tannins will help to cleanse the palate between bites.
If you’re in the mood for something more indulgent, consider pairing this wine with a slow-cooked braised dish, such as beef short ribs, osso buco, or a lamb shank. The wine’s richness and depth will echo the hearty, umami flavors of the dish, creating a harmonious and satisfying pairing.
Rockford Rod and Spur 2019 Shiraz Cabernet also pairs beautifully with hard, aged cheeses, such as cheddar, Gouda, or Parmigiano-Reggiano. The wine’s fruitiness and spice will complement the nutty, savory flavors of the cheese, while its tannins provide a refreshing contrast.
For those who enjoy spicier fare, this wine can hold its own against dishes with bold, spicy flavors, such as barbecued ribs with a smoky, spicy rub, or a hearty chili con carne. The wine’s peppery Shiraz component will enhance the spiciness of the dish, while its fruit and tannins keep the pairing balanced.
Serving and Storage Tips
To fully appreciate the complexity and depth of Rockford Rod and Spur Shiraz Cabernet, it is best served at a temperature of around 60-65°F (16-18°C). This will allow the wine’s aromas and flavors to fully develop, providing a more enjoyable drinking experience. Decanting the wine for about an hour before serving can help to soften the tannins and open up the wine’s aromatic profile, making it even more approachable and expressive.
While this wine is already enjoyable in its youth, it also has the potential to age gracefully for 10 to 15 years, or even longer. Proper storage in a cool, dark place with a stable temperature will allow the wine to develop additional complexity and nuance over time. As it ages, the tannins will soften, and the flavors will become more integrated, resulting in a wine that is even more harmonious and refined.
The Winemaking Philosophy
Rockford Wines is known for its dedication to traditional winemaking practices and its commitment to preserving the heritage of the Barossa Valley. The winery sources its fruit from some of the region’s oldest and most respected vineyards, many of which are dry-grown and hand-tended. This attention to detail and respect for the land is reflected in every bottle of Rockford wine, including the Rod and Spur 2019 Shiraz Cabernet.
The winemaking process for Rod & Spur Shiraz Cabernet emphasizes minimal intervention, allowing the natural characteristics of the fruit and the terroir to shine through. The grapes are carefully selected and hand-harvested, then fermented in traditional open fermenters before being matured in a combination of new and seasoned French and American oak barrels. This approach results in a wine that is an authentic expression of its varietals and origin, offering a true taste of the Barossa Valley.
