BLACKBIRD VINEYARDS BROADENS ITS PORTFOLIO WITH THE 2006 VINTAGE, RELEASING FOUR DISTINCT PROPRIETAR
An artisanal producer of Pomerol-inspired wines in the Napa Valley, Blackbird Vineyards introduces Contrarian and Arise to complement its established core wines, Paramour and Illustration
(NAPA VALLEY, CA; January 2009) - Having established its position with highly acclaimed previous vintages, Blackbird Vineyards introduces two new Proprietary Red Wines, crafted with the same dedication to quality and excellence that led to Blackbird Vineyards' premier 2003 vintage being awarded 98 points by Vinfolio. With the addition of Contrarian, Blackbird's 2006 vintage release is comprised of four Proprietary Red Wines.
"The 2006 vintage wines demonstrate our on-going commitment to producing world-class, Pomerol-inspired wines from premium growing regions in the Napa Valley," says Michael Polenske, Blackbird Vineyards' Proprietor.
The 2006 Contrarian (38% Cabernet Franc, 34% Merlot, and 28% Cabernet Sauvignon) possesses both an aromatic nose and subtle tannin profile. New to the portfolio as of fall 2008, it exudes the elegance Blackbird Vineyards' wines are known for while also displaying a varietal richness from premium Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Contrarian offers black currant, blood orange, and subtle tobacco notes which give way to a fleshy, round finish (17 barrels produced).
The 2006 Arise (100% Merlot) - the most aspirational wine in the Blackbird Vineyards' repertoire - is hand-tuned to express the luscious flavor profiles and lithe structure that only comes from exceptional fruit. Arise captures essences of Napa Valley's unique terroir. This sister label Proprietary Red Wine expresses flavors of raspberries, plum, and baking spices intertwined with fine-grained tannins (12 barrels produced).
Following a successful inaugural release, the 2006 Paramour possesses both sensuality and commanding structure. A blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, (48% and 44%, respectively), with a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon (8%), the wine reveals concentrated aromas of wild blueberries, violets, and black currants. With a little less than 12 barrels produced, Paramour is the rarest of Blackbird's 2006 vintage release.
Currently in its fourth release, 2006 Illustration (86% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon) represents Blackbird's flagship, with every element of the winery's multi-faceted wine portfolio drawing inspiration from this singular, Pomerolinspired Merlot. Illustration challenges the notion that Cabernet Sauvignon is the only age 2 worthy red wine crafted in the Napa Valley. Aged for 20 months in French oak barrels, the wine unfolds with aromas of black cherry, toffee, cocoa powder, iris flower, and subtle leather (50 barrels produced).
Winemaker Sarah Gott attributes the quality of the fruit as the driving force in creating Blackbird's beautifully handcrafted wines. The estate vineyard, which enjoys a unique terroir composed primarily of a clay and gravelly loam surface covering deep, welldrained subsoil, is cared for by Winegrower Aaron Pott. Optimal with decanting, Blackbird's portfolio of 2006 Proprietary Red Wines can be enjoyed upon release (with decanting) or laid down for short- and long-term cellaring.
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