Going from professional golfer to professional vintner can seem like a leap. But some of the all-time greats have made the transition. Golf Digest sampled as many offerings from professional golfers as possible, checked in with some wine connoisseurs to confirm their opinions, and then assembled Editors’ Choices based on varietals or, in the case of blends, the combination of grapes used. Jack Nicklaus Private Reserve earned an Editor’s Choice award in the blended red category.
This Private Reserve features aromas of black fruit, blackberry and black currant that are well layered with notes of vanilla and aniseed. It showcases concentrated flavors of black cherry, plum and blueberry with hints of vanilla and spicy nutmeg. The wine is garnet in color and very lush texture with velvety tannins that help distinguish this Napa Valley signature.
None of the wines selected in Golf Digest’s Editor’s Choice list scored below 90 by Wine Spectator magazine. Jack Nicklaus Private Reserve was also one of three Jack Nicklaus Wines to receive a 2013 Silver Award in the San Francisco International Wine Competition.
Jack Nicklaus Private Reserve 2009 retails for $55 at www.uncorked.com. It is one of several varietals offered by Jack Nicklaus Wines—which includes as its latest offering a Jack’s House Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay that benefit the Jack’s House Foundation.
