Notes of asphalt, blackberry, plum, and also a touch of prune are present in this ruggedly constructed Rockford Basket Press Shiraz. The wine shows density, exceptional quality, and still some rough tannins in the finish. This might be the one vintage of the 90s that ages less gracefully, given the somewhat angular, aggressive tannins it possesses. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2015. Thanks to the persistent efforts of the American importer Dan Philips of the Grateful Palate (Oxnard, CA; tel. 888-472-5283), small quantities of Rockford wines for the first time are now available in the United States.