2017 Blackjack Cabernet Merlot

Blackjack Vineyards is situated on an easterly slope, in the old Apple and Pear growing district of the Harcourt Valley on the foothills of Mt.Alexander. Although just south of Bendigo, the climate is considerably cooler, and normally blessed with “Indian Summer” autumns – cool night and warm clear day- allowing the grapes to slowly ripen. The soil is mostly very old, and not overly fertile, granitic soils. The vineyard is hand pruned and hand-harvested. The Cabernet block was planted in 1989.

The Wine

Fermented in traditional open fermenters, hand plunged and aged in small French oak barriques for 22 months.

Bright ruby red in colour. Red currants, bramble on the nose, some mint and herbs. Medium weight palate, yet refined and elegant. Red berries, anise and dried herbs on the palate, against a supportive background of finer, dusty tannins. Balanced and lingering.Try with rosemary and garlic slow-cooked lamb shoulder.

Reviews:

• Winefront Campbell Mattinson 91pts:

Blackjack routinely makes a good fist of this blend.Berried flavour leaps from the glass, anise and dried herb notes following swiftly thereafter. It’s solid with flavour but it remains svelte; in ripeness/boldness terms it feels and tastes more than its stated 13% alcohol. In short, you can’t really go wrong here.