The Blackjack Story
Inspired
By The History
Of The Bendigo Region
BlackJack Shiraz was first released in 1994 and went on to twice win the trophy for Best Shiraz at the Royal Melbourne Wine Show; in 1996 for the 1994 Shiraz and in 2006 for the 2002 Block 6 Shiraz and in doing so cementing the reputation of BlackJack Wines as a quality producer.
The BlackJack Story
BlackJack Wines is named for an American sailor who jumped ship during the Gold Rush era of the 1850s. In search of his fortune, BlackJack found his way to the Castlemaine Goldfields and into the history of this region, with a road adjacent to BlackJack vineyard still bearing his name.
Similarly Ian McKenzie and Ken Pollock, in pursuit of their dreams, first planted vines on an old apple orchard in 1988, gradually increasing the plot to include Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and a small area of Merlot.
Plantings increased in 1988 with the creation of a unique site of Shiraz, now known as Block 6. Situated on Castlemaine sandstone gravel rather than the old granitic soils of the other vines and with different clonal material, the wine from Block 6 shows qualities closer to the French Rhône style
With a Star Cellar Door award from Australia’s Gourmet Traveller Magazine in 2020, Blackjack Vineyards offers a friendly welcome, a chance to taste some delicious reds and to chat about winemaking in the historic region of Central Victoria.
The Vineyard
From the very beginning it was always our mission to produce high quality red wines which reflect the vineyard and vintage variations- wines of terroir. Wines made using traditional techniques, allowing the handpicked grapes to express their origin.
We firmly believe that first and foremost great wine is made in the vineyard. Not surprisingly then, Blackjack’s overall philosophy is to work as closely as possible with the natural rhythms of the vineyard and seasons; to constantly strive towards sustainability in the vineyard and the winery- always an ongoing process.
Since the first release in 1994, BlackJack has established an enviable reputation for producing fine and generous red wine. Along with many other awards, Blackjack has twice won the Best Shiraz at the Royal Melbourne Wine Show including the Premier’s Gold Trophy for the Best Victorian Wine.
Blackjack’s core range is the Estate grown Wines, namely, the Blackjack Shiraz, the Block 6 Shiraz and the Blackjack Cabernet Merlot, supported by Chortle’s Edge Shiraz, which we lovingly call our “Monday to Thursday” wine. Recent additions, which have been a hit at cellar door, include the Major’s Line Tempranillo and our Blackjack “Rosa”.
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Under the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 it is an offence: To supply alcohol to a person under the age of 18 years (Penalty exceeds $8,000); For a person under the age of 18 years to purchase or receive liquor (Penalty exceeds $700). Liquor Licence No. 32601802