2009 ILLUSTRATION
Napa Valley Proprietary Red Wine
"The 2009 Illustration demonstrates elegant notes of cherry and toffee with long, luscious floral aromas. The well balanced mid-palate offers great density and abundant flavors of coffee and stone fruit. The finish is persistent in length with sophisticated tannins leading to a smooth mouth feel. Drinking well upon release, Illustration will age beautifully with time in the cellar. Blackbird's 2009 vintage wines showcase grapes farmed with an ideal hang time, offering wines with bright flavors, balanced sugars, and acidity."
— Winemaker, Aaron Pott
| Blend | 81% Merlot 16% Cabernet Franc 3% Cabernet Sauvignon |
|---|---|
| Harvest | October 2009 |
| Release | Spring 2012 |
| Barrel Regime | 21 months in French Oak barrels - 75% new, 25% seasoned |
| pH | 3.78% |
| Total Acidity | 0.57 |
| Alcohol | 14.5% |
| Production | 726 cases |
| Optimum Drinking | 2012 - 2025 |
| Retail Price | $125 |
The Blackbird Vineyard
| Appellation | Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley |
|---|---|
| Vineyard Size | 10 Acres |
| Vines | 5,717 planted in 1997 |
| Topography | Valley Floor |
| Varietal | Merlot |
| Clone | 3 |
| Root Stock | 110R |
The heart is full of infinite possibilities...
Illustration represents the core - the heart - of Blackbird Vineyards. Every element of Blackbird's multi-faceted wine portfolio draws inspiration from this singular, Pomerol-inspired Merlot. It is an undiluted illustration of the passion, time and concentration invested in creating elegant, multi-layered wines. Illustration challenges the notion that Cabernet Sauvignon is the only age-worthy red wine crafted in the Napa Valley.
Vintage Notes: 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 
Editorial Reviews | Peer to Peer Reviews
Paramour | Contrarian | Arise | Arriviste
Taste Blackbird's wines in a revolutionary format. Featured on Oprah's O List, The "Flock Box Collection" contains a selection of four 50ml glass bottles for sampling Blackbird's Merlot and Cabernet Franc blends. Blackbird's wine samples should be savored shortly after their shipment date (typically within 6 months) to experience their true character. Acquire
