Rockford 2018 Moppa Springs GMS 750ml

Robert O'Callaghan's Grenache-Mataro-Shiraz takes its name from the Moppa district in the northern Barossa, drawing on old, often dry-grown bush vine parcels farmed by growers Rockford has worked with for decades. Winemaking is unapologetically traditional — open-top fermenters, basket pressing, maturation in seasoned large-format oak that shapes texture rather than imposing flavour. The 2018 vintage was warm, dry and low-yielding, delivering exceptional concentration without loss of definition. Medium-deep ruby, with a perfumed nose of raspberry and red plum, dried orange peel, garrigue herbs, star anise and turned earth, gaining a savoury undertow of cured meat and iron from the Mataro component. The palate is the point: mid-weight rather than muscular, silken and open-knit, with lifted red fruit carried on chalky, gently gripping tannin and a fine spine of natural acidity. Shiraz supplies the dark-fruited depth and structural spine beneath, while old oak keeps everything transparent. Long, dusty, distinctly Barossan finish. Drinking beautifully now with an hour's air; will hold and evolve over the medium term.

Pairing: slow-roasted lamb shoulder, harissa-spiced merguez, mushroom and thyme ragù, or aged Manchego.