2006 BlackBird – “Contrarian” Red Wine

I read an article about the Blackbird winery in November 2008 issue of the Robb Report and had been looking for it ever since in Houston. Blackbird wines can be found at Brix Wine Bar in Houston and you can find a link to their web site in the Blogroll on the front page of this site.

Proprietor: Blackbird Vineyards

Vintage: 2006

Appellation: Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley

Varietals: 38% Cabernet Franc, 34% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon

Note: Aged 20 months in French oak barrels of which 48% is new, and 52% is seasoned. The wine is unfilterd and unfined. The winemaker is Aaron Pott. Only 414 cases made.

Tasting: dark brooding layers of blackberries, black cherry, raspberry, black currant, cassis, followed by menthol, graphite, Spanish cedar, tobacco, cinnamon, white pepper, crushed rock, tea , vanilla, and a nice floral component. The palate is full, round and opulent, with fleshy sweet tannins impeccable balance, and an extremely long generous finish. This wine is drinking well now, but will improve with cellar time, and can be enjoyed for the next 8 to 10 years

 

Rating: 96 JH, 95 PC