Return to Rockford - 2nd April 2017

[Goodonya]

I have added you to the wiki.

Feel free to keep us updated on your flights and accommodation plans.

There are now 2 spots to go!

Ready or not here I come
i updated the wiki this morning filled last two spots. However just noticed that there are still two spots. Did someone cancel?

 

[Buzzard]

Goodonya Goodonya, yes there are still 2 spots left.
Look forward to seeing you and +1 at the event.

 

[OrangeRoughie]

Would have loved to have got on board this, unfortunately I am registered to do the Clare Valley half marathon that morning. Am certainly not a fast enough runner to finish in time and hop in a car for the journey down the road!

 

[Katie]

Rightio, flights and accommodation sorted. Day tour payment made.
Just need to contact a friend in Adelaide, sort out babysitting for the kidlet for the day, and we're set! As it's school hols, we're going to spend an extra day or two in Adelaide. I have barely explored the city.

 

[unnamed]

Popping up there today to grab a few bottles to tie me over until the "big Event"... Buzz, I'll make payment 1st of the month as discussed.

 

[mini2]

Sorry Buzz, will make payment shortly, nearly forgot about this just like I've booked everyone's flights except for my 11 year old

 

[Steady]

The '13 Basket Press was scheduled to be released at the CD today

 

[penegal]

Sorry Buzz, will make payment shortly, nearly forgot about this just like I've booked everyone's flights except for my 11 year old

11 year old into Barossa Shiraz?

Geeeeees Louise, they start young these days.

 

[Katie]

11 year old into Barossa Shiraz?

Geeeeees Louise, they start young these days.

my 10yo won't touch the stuff!

(Yet. When we're looking.)

 

[Goodonya]

I'm very much looking forward to this. Coincidently whilst on QF23 yesterday I was talking about wines with the on-board manager Richard K, in the business section and he happened to mention that he and his wife are invited as guests of a "stonewaller" for lunch at Rockford on Fri 31st March, the Fri immediately preceding our weekend. He tells me that it's a magnificent lunch held on thu and fri for members of the Stonewall Society. Because of Buzz's connection I'm guessing he may or may not be a stonewaller? Also besides all the Rockford wines mentioned by the more knowledgeable here, he tells me that the sparkling Shiraz is also a must try.
OT btw I'm currently on AY90 using Finnairs free WiFi. It's great. Might only be free in J tho. Don't know why the other airlines can't provide this.

 

[Steady]

I'm very much looking forward to this. Coincidently whilst on QF23 yesterday I was talking about wines with the on-board manager Richard K, in the business section and he happened to mention that he and his wife are invited as guests of a "stonewaller" for lunch at Rockford on Fri 31st March, the Fri immediately preceding our weekend. He tells me that it's a magnificent lunch held on thu and fri for members of the Stonewall Society. Because of Buzz's connection I'm guessing he may or may not be a stonewaller? Also besides all the Rockford wines mentioned by the more knowledgeable here, he tells me that the sparkling Shiraz is also a must try.
OT btw I'm currently on AY90 using Finnairs free WiFi. It's great. Might only be free in J tho. Don't know why the other airlines can't provide this.

The Sparkling Black Shiraz is a beauty

I know of 4 AFF Stonewallers, I would not be surprised if there were more.

 

[unnamed]

The Sparkling Black Shiraz is a beautyI know of 4 AFF Stonewallers, I would not be surprised if there were more.

The rockford black is great, all be it a tad on the expense side. I tried the Langmeil SS on the weekend, very similar quality at nearly half the price... and also a must try...

Langmeil Winery - Products - NV Sparkling Shiraz Cuvée

 

[Steady]

The rockford black is great, all be it a tad on the expense side. I tried the Langmeil SS on the weekend, very similar quality at nearly half the price... and also a must try...

Langmeil Winery - Products - NV Sparkling Shiraz Cuvée

The Ashton Hills Vintage Sparkling Shiraz is another that is top notch but less $

 

[CJEMNMAC]

The Ashton Hills Vintage Sparkling Shiraz is another that is top notch but less $

+1.. For around the $50 mark it is great.. The problem I find is cold, sparking red go down very very quick

 

[GDSman]

The Sparkling Black Shiraz is a beauty

I know of 4 AFF Stonewallers, I would not be surprised if there were more.

One here in Tassie (since 1992!)

 

[Steady]

One here in Tassie (since 1992!)

That makes 5

 

[penegal]

I'm very much looking forward to this. Coincidently whilst on QF23 yesterday I was talking about wines with the on-board manager Richard K, in the business section and he happened to mention that he and his wife are invited as guests of a "stonewaller" for lunch at Rockford on Fri 31st March, the Fri immediately preceding our weekend. He tells me that it's a magnificent lunch held on thu and fri for members of the Stonewall Society. Because of Buzz's connection I'm guessing he may or may not be a stonewaller? Also besides all the Rockford wines mentioned by the more knowledgeable here, he tells me that the sparkling Shiraz is also a must try.
OT btw I'm currently on AY90 using Finnairs free WiFi. It's great. Might only be free in J tho. Don't know why the other airlines can't provide this.

The stonewall lunch is quite an experience. It lasts about 4 hours, and is entirely made using seasonal fresh produce from their garden and sourced as locally as possible. Each course is served with current release and museum wines from the winery.

The Rockford Black Shiraz is s a winner. One of the best Sparkling Shirazs out there. It isn't cheap, but it is excellent value given the quality of the end product, and the level of effort that goes into making each bottle.

 

[Deleted member]

I must be in the minority, I am not a fan of the sparkling Shiraz. Or any sparking Shiraz for that matter

 

[Steady]

I must be in the minority, I am not a fan of the sparkling Shiraz. Or any sparking Shiraz for that matter

I'll stand next to you on arrival when they are handing it out

 

[penegal]

I must be in the minority, I am not a fan of the sparkling Shiraz. Or any sparking Shiraz for that matter

I will admit I am a relatively recent convert (~last 10-15 years).

When I was young I used to hate any wine with bubbles. The bubbly dishwater that my very first ladyfriend drunk was utter undrinkable garbage akin to feline urine put through a soda stream... Then I found Champagne (appellation). Although I was a Champagne lover before flying frequently in premium cabins, the latter has certainly helped me enjoy it more frequently.

My first sparkling reds were probably similarly average to my high school soda steam. However in a similar light, I was convinced to try Seppelts one Christmas before moving from beer to red wine. My opinion immediately changed. Over the years I have developed more of an appreciation for this variety/technique.

It certainly isn't an everyday drink, but a bottle or two shared with friends and/or family in the warmer months certainly hits the spot. Most of what I drink is from two producers (don't all guess at once), but I try to experiment every now and then. There are some Great Western imitations around the $30 mark which are drinkable, but not in the same league.