Region: Barossa Valley
Sub Region: Barossa – Multi-site
Variety: Shiraz
Country: Australia
Vintage: 2018
The Wine
Basket Press Shiraz is built from selected parcels of established Barossa vines, sourced through the grower relationships that have been fundamental to Rockford since Robert O’Callaghan established the winery. Some contributing vineyards contain extremely old Shiraz, with vines spanning many decades and multiple Barossa sub-regions.
The wine is made using traditional open fermentation and gentle basket pressing before approximately two years in seasoned French and American oak. These are techniques designed to frame the fruit rather than modernise it, producing the savoury texture and gradual bottle evolution that have made Basket Press so collectible.
The 2018 vintage is one of the stronger modern releases. It combines the depth expected of Barossa Shiraz with unusual freshness and restraint. Kirsch, blackberry and red fruit meet violet, incense, walnut, olive, liquorice and spice, while the palate carries considerable concentration without feeling heavy.
The tannins are abundant but beautifully integrated, giving the wine a seamless texture and excellent capacity for further development.
Cellared Says
One of my preferred Basket Press vintages from this run. The 2018 has enough Barossa richness to satisfy traditionalists, but it’s the freshness and balance that stand out. It already drinks very well, yet there is absolutely no urgency here—I’d happily hold this through the 2030s.
Reviews
“Full-bodied and gently chocolaty, with lovely soft texture and a savoury kind of richness… Seamless texture and flavour.”
97 Points – Huon Hooke, The Real Review
“Kirsch, blackberry, violet, incense and baking spice… hefty but shows unlikely finesse as well.”
95 Points – Josh Raynolds, Vinous
“Medium-bodied, has freshness, nutty and savoury flavours, but with brightness of fruit.”
94+ Points – Gary Walsh, The Wine Front
Region: Barossa Valley
Sub Region: Barossa – Multi-site
Variety: Shiraz
Country: Australia
Vintage: 2018
The Wine
Basket Press Shiraz is built from selected parcels of established Barossa vines, sourced through the grower relationships that have been fundamental to Rockford since Robert O’Callaghan established the winery. Some contributing vineyards contain extremely old Shiraz, with vines spanning many decades and multiple Barossa sub-regions.
The wine is made using traditional open fermentation and gentle basket pressing before approximately two years in seasoned French and American oak. These are techniques designed to frame the fruit rather than modernise it, producing the savoury texture and gradual bottle evolution that have made Basket Press so collectible.
The 2018 vintage is one of the stronger modern releases. It combines the depth expected of Barossa Shiraz with unusual freshness and restraint. Kirsch, blackberry and red fruit meet violet, incense, walnut, olive, liquorice and spice, while the palate carries considerable concentration without feeling heavy.
The tannins are abundant but beautifully integrated, giving the wine a seamless texture and excellent capacity for further development.
Cellared Says
One of my preferred Basket Press vintages from this run. The 2018 has enough Barossa richness to satisfy traditionalists, but it’s the freshness and balance that stand out. It already drinks very well, yet there is absolutely no urgency here—I’d happily hold this through the 2030s.
Reviews
“Full-bodied and gently chocolaty, with lovely soft texture and a savoury kind of richness… Seamless texture and flavour.”
97 Points – Huon Hooke, The Real Review
“Kirsch, blackberry, violet, incense and baking spice… hefty but shows unlikely finesse as well.”
95 Points – Josh Raynolds, Vinous
“Medium-bodied, has freshness, nutty and savoury flavours, but with brightness of fruit.”
94+ Points – Gary Walsh, The Wine Front
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