I'm guessing the "pro" ratings were not talking about this 2001, because it is terrific. The nose strikes of dried currants, cedar, with hints of leather and bell pepper. Sweet, soft, and nicely intergrated tannins accompanying a medium-plus bodied mouthfeel. The mid-palate is a bit clipped, but the finish is graceful, seamless, and lingering. Not bad for a 16-year-old cab-driven blend from outside of Solvang (although again, this is a 2001 - pretty much at Blackjack's peak in my opinion). Terrific wine that sould go spectacularly well with the sun-dried tomato and garlic-encrusted filet mignon I just took off the grill!
I'm guessing the "pro" ratings were not talking about this 2001, because it is terrific. The nose strikes of dried currants, cedar, with hints of leather and bell pepper. Sweet, soft, and nicely intergrated tannins accompanying a medium-plus bodied mouthfeel. The mid-palate is a bit clipped, but the finish is graceful, seamless, and lingering. Not bad for a 16-year-old cab-driven blend from outside of Solvang (although again, this is a 2001 - pretty much at Blackjack's peak in my opinion). Terrific wine that sould go spectacularly well with the sun-dried tomato and garlic-encrusted filet mignon I just took off the grill!
May 14th, 2017
Our "deep" cellar friend Dennis brought this 97 tonight. Always something special. It's nose was old new world, but it almost tasted like a really interesting Carmenere!
Our "deep" cellar friend Dennis brought this 97 tonight. Always something special. It's nose was old new world, but it almost tasted like a really interesting Carmenere!
Apr 18th, 2016
Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, USA
