2021 Blackjack Cabernet Merlot

Tasting Note:

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. Cassis, red currant and spice evident on nose. Medium weight palate, Bramble and red currant flavours combined with cedary oak characters on the palate, against a supportive background of fine, integrated tannins. Balanced and lingering finish.

Try with rosemary infused and garlic slow cooked lamb shoulder.

Suggested cellaring: 4-10 years

Campbell Mattinson WineFront:92 Pts 

"It tastes of blackcurrant and earth.mulberry and sweet/dried herbs, with licks of aniseed and loganberry anout the edges..... and it keeps going to a well sustained finish."

Jeni Port Halliday Wine Companion: 91 Pts.

"An excellent young Bendigo cabernet merlot that brings total enjoyment to the glass. Bright and full of energy, it's all about joyous ripe fruit, generously fragrant and deliciously delivered in red and black berries, black olive and savoury dried herbs with touches of aniseed and chocolate. Firm, fine tannins lead the way."