BlackJack Vineyards is situated on the granitic soil of the Harcourt Valley in the Bendigo Wine Region of Central Victoria.
BlackJack was the name given to an American sailor who, during the goldrush era of the 1850s jumped ship and found his way to the Castlemaine goldfields. A road adjacent to BlackJack Vineyards still bears his name.
Perhaps following a similar dream but in search of liquid gold, the McKenzie and Pollock families planted their first vines in 1988. Further planting in 1989 completed the initial four-hectare vineyard development of mainly
Shiraz and Cabernet with a small area of Merlot.
BlackJack vineyards released its first wine in November 1994 and in the short intervening period has established an enviable reputation for producing fine and generous red wine. It is our philosophy to produce consistent high quality red wines that reflect the vineyard and vintage variations. We hope you enjoy them.
Vineyard
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. Vintage typically occurs in late April to early May. The soil are mostly very old, and not overly fertile granitic soils, although part of Block 6 is on what we call Castlemaine sandstone gravel. The vineyard is hand pruned and hand harvested. The Block 6 was planted in 1998 and is a different clone from the original Shiraz.
THE WINE
Fermented in traditional open fermenters, hand plunged, and aged in French Oak barriques (35% new) for 22 months. No finings and minimal filtration at bottling. Ruby red, purple hues. Dark Berry and cherry aromas: nutmeg and mixed spice. Medium weight palate. Soft , warm palate with sweet cherry and red berry flavours. Lovely rounded mouthfeel and texture. Oak tannins complement a very persistent and lingering finish.
Suggested cellaring 5-10 year
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WINERY RATING |
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| James Halliday, |
Australian Wine Companion 2009 |
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