Blackjack Cabernet Merlot 2019

Ian McKenzie and Ken Pollock first planted vines on an old Harcourt apple orchard in 1988, gradually increasing the plot to include Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and a small area of Merlot. Plantings increas ed 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.

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.