Blackjack Pasture Cabernet Sauvignon

I have been drinking 2003 Blackjack cabs for a dozen years. I love the black pepper, leather, tobacco and dark fruit. 15 years may be the beginning of the backside of the apex. The brash dark fruit is somewhat muted, with caramel and molasses starting to replace the blackberry and plum. Still, this is a great wine that paired well with a grilled, marinated flank steak.

Black pepper, grilled beef, saddle leather and clove with mineral undertones. The 2003 Black Jack pasture is one of my favorite cabs, period. It has smoothed out with age, but is still drinking strong and complex.

Pepper, leather, clove and minerals. Chewy tannins but still carrying acid through the finish. A classic that has aged well.

Pepper, leather, minerals and spice, this is a beefy and complex cab.

The first Galante I ever had was this vintage, 2003, Blackjack Cab. I was hooked. Nine years later and it still pulls me in. The years have mellowed the wine and given it more depth, but the telltale pepper and leather nose still makes me swoon even before the spicy and mineral concoction hits my mouth. The finish is smoother now leaving pleasant clove, cinnamon and mineral notes. The leather and pepper predominate throughout, though. What a treat.

Powerful nose of pepper, beef, and leather. In the mouth you get black pepper, leather and tobacco with mineral notes that follow. Finishes with blackberry, leather, and more minerals. Long dry finish with the pepper lingering. The 2003 Blackjack cab is what first attracted me to the Galante label when I first tasted it nine years ago. I've had at least one bottle every year since, and it has never disappointed.

Pepper, leather and spice. Nice pepper and mineral finish.