Blackbird Vineyards Arise Proprietary Napa Valley Merlot Blend 2021

  Blackbird Vineyards is one of Napa's hottest boutique producers.  The "Arise" Proprietary Red is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, fashioned after the famous Pomerol wines of Bordeaux. Get it while its still available! 92 Points Robert Parker: "The Blackbird 2019 Arise Proprietary Red is a seductive, svelte blend of 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Franc, 8% Syrah and 5% Petit Verdot. Full-bodied but nicely supple and polished, it delivers notes of blueberries, cherries, dark chocolate and mocha, then caps those off with a long, velvety finish. Maybe it could use a bit more muscle and concentration, but there's no denying its upfront appeal and elegance. In the context of Napa, it's even reasonably priced....The Blackbird wines—based on an estate vineyard in Oak Knoll but supplemented by fruit purchased from such illustrious sites as the Hudson and Stagecoach Vineyards—are made under the guidance of Aaron Pott, who has quietly become one of Napa's leading consultants. Originally focused on the Merlot-based Illustration, the range has diversified to include an outstanding wine led by Cabernet Franc (Paramour) and another led by Cabernet Sauvignon (Contrarian). There's also Arise, a blend of other bits and pieces that represents a significant value in the context of sky-high Napa Valley prices." 94 Points "Editors' Choice" Wine Enthusiast:   "A glorious wine. Based on Merlot, with nearly equal parts of the two Cabernets, it's softly smooth and delicious right now. Totally bone dry, yet rich and sweet in cherries, berries, chocolate and cedar, it satisfies on every level..." - Best of Year Buying Guide The  Blackbird Arise welcomes you with complex aromatics of cherry, plum, bacon, tobacco, and subtle mint. Aged in French Oak barrels for 19 months, the well-integrated palate presents enticing flavors of cedar, earth, and toffee within multiple layers of rich, black fruits. Elegantly balanced with supple tannins, the mouthfeel is velvety and leads to a fine cocoa finish. Drinking well upon release, Arise will age beautifully with time in the cellar.  Winemaker Sarah Gott fashions this delicious red from Napa Valley's Oak Knoll District. Dark ruby red in color, this blend of predominately Merlot offers aromas of ripe plum, mocha, and violets that carry over beautifully onto the palate. Concentrated black fruit flavors give way to dense, yet integrated tannins. The wine's finish reveals a noticeable acidity and depth to allow for longevity.

Save