Robert Parker, Jr.: “Blackjack Ranch is one of the best-run wineries in Santa Barbara. Proprietor Roger Wisted clearly looks to France for his inspiration. His wines possess all the flavor of California yet more elegance and complexity than is typical for many of this state’s wines.” Robert Parker’s Wine Buyers Guide Sixth Edition

Winery:  "Our most popular wine. Preceded by 90+ Robert Parker scores, this crowd pleaser features purplish black color. Rhone like. Incredibly ripe, rich, and bright fruit. Collaboration of blackberries, blueberries, crème de cassis, and violets. Generous wine, juicy, smoky, earthy, jubilant and just plain fun. A hedonistic turn-on at a reasonable price. Beautifully integrated Remond French Oak. We think this may be the most concentrated and rich version of this popular wine so far.

Recently the world’s most respected wine critic, Robert Parker, Jr. awarded Blackjack Ranch a Five-Star rating for the production of Bordeaux varietals.  We are one of only two wineries outside Napa/Sonoma to achieve his highest ranking."

Wired For Wine:  You can bet your bottom dollar that fun is what you're going to get when you open your first bottle of this "hedonistic turn-on" from Blackjack Ranch. You may remember hearing the name while watching the wine cult movie "Sideways".  This ripe, rich, and bright Syrah goes beautifully with many meats, especially when they're done on the grill.  Don't forget the barbecue, though, because the concentrated fruits in the Double-Down are made to pair with a robust bbq sauce; a little heat is okay too if that's your pleasure...  On the casual side, we would do pulled pork sandwiches on toasted buns with sesame slaw and bacon-baked beans on the side.  Hello delicious!  If you're thinking a little fancier, we love this Blackjack with a grilled NY strip with herb butter, creamed spinach and cottage fries.  Grilled meats complement the smoky side of this complex Syrah to a T.  Another great choice would be grilled rib lamb chops with braised leeks and a crispy goat cheese potato cake.  If you've got room, pour another glass and have a piece of Torta del Casar, a sheep's milk cheese from Spain.  It's wonderfully creamy with a rich, intense and flavorful taste that's a little smoky.  I'm all in!  Ante up winelovers!

Size:  750ml
Vintage:  2005
Varietal:  Syrah
Alcohol:  15.1%
Region:  Santa Barbara County, California