Blackjack Pasture Cabernet Sauvignon Varietal/Style: Cabernet Sauvignon Origin: Carmel Valley Vintage: 1997 Winemaker: Jack Galante Rating: 13/20 Retail Price: $40.00

Tasting Notes: Surprisingly soft for its age, Galante's premium Cabernet is full of masculine, leathery aromas and chocolate flavor. With its full body and lengthy finish, it is one of the biggest reds coming from the Carmel area. Drinkable now, its mildly tannic finish should smooth out even more with aging. (Date tasted: 6/10/00)

Profile: Clint Eastwood may have been Carmel's mayor, but he's got nothing on the Galante family, Carmel's founding fathers. Generations of Galantes have helped this region flourish, with endeavors such as cattle farming, growing and supplying garden roses, and since 1983, creating premium wines. Run by Jack Galante, the winery specializes in Cabernet Sauvignon, producing four estate grown and bottled wines. In addition to running the winery, Galante is one of the largest suppliers of garden roses in the state of California.

Address:
18181 Cachagua Rd.
City: Carmel Valley
Phone: 1-800-425-2683
Web site: www.galantevineyards.com
E-mail: web@galantevineyards.com