Blackbird Vineyards’ 2017 Illustration represents the core of Blackbird Vineyards. Every element of its multi-faceted wine portfolio draws inspiration from this principally Merlot composition. Illustration challenges the notion that Cabernet Sauvignon is the only age-worthy red wine crafted in Napa Valley.
"Illustration is the most decadent of the Blackbird wines, rich and aromatic with plum, iris, violet, red currant, milk chocolate, and caramel. The velvety palate imparts you with abundant flavors of cherry, plum, coffee, and cocoa. The luxurious finish is long and bright with soft tannins." Winemaker, Aaron Pott
| Blend | 49% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Cabernet Franc |
| Harvest | Fall 2016 |
| Release | Spring 2019 |
| Barrel Regime | 21 months in French oak barrels - 75% new, 25% seasoned |
| Alcohol | 14.1 % |
| Production | 420 cases |
| Optimum Drinking | 2019 - 2035 |
| Release Price | $135.00 per 750ml bottle |
"The 2017 Illustration is a racy, exuberant wine. Cabernet Franc aromatics add freshness to this super-expressive, racy, Merlot-based red. Espresso, bittersweet chocolate, menthol, licorice, dark spices and new leather all jump from the glass. This is a gorgeous wine from Blackbird."Vinous Media - By Antonio Galloni
"The 2017 Illustration Proprietary Red is a more Merlot heavy blend that includes 28% Cabernet Sauvignon and 23% Cabernet Franc. It reveals a deep purple color as well as terrific notes of black currants, cassis, toasted spice, candied violets, and incense. Rich, medium to full-bodied, and balanced, it shows the classic, straight, and focused style of the vintage nicely."Jeb Dunnuck
"Composed of 49% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon and 23% Cabernet Franc, the 2017 Illustration Proprietary Red has a medium to deep garnet-purple color. It rolls sensuously out of the glass with expressive blackberry pie, warm plums and exotic spice scents plus hints of tobacco and fragrant earth. Medium to full-bodied, the palate exudes plushly textured, juicy black fruits with great freshness and a long spicy finish. 421 cases were made."Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate
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Through BlackMail membership, Pricing in Perpetuity is an opportunity for you to secure guaranteed pricing for life on your preferred Blackbird bottlings. Simply commit to any (or all) of the annual minimum membership purchases listed below and your price on the selected wines and quantities will be secured for the lifetime of your membership.
To participate in Pricing in Perpetuity, we invite you to become a BlackMail member. If you're already a member and meet the requirements, you will automatically be enrolled.
| *Wine Options | *Minimum Annual Quantity | *Guaranteed Bottle Pricing (as of January 2019) |
|---|---|---|
| Illustration | 6 | $135 |
| Paramour | 6 | $135 |
| Contrarian | 6 | $135 |
| Arise | 12 | $58 |
| Dissonance | 24 | $32 |
| Arriviste | 24 | $28 |
*Applies to current vintage offerings only. Library wines excluded.
Members-Only Wines
