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.
"With inviting aromas of coffee, iris, clove, and shitake mushrooms, Illustration is the most luxurious wine in the Blackbird portfolio. The mouthfeel offers density with integrated tanins and a long finish of violets, cocoa, and plum. The wine is gorgeous and will continue to develop over the next fiften years with time in the cellar." Winemaker, Aaron Pott
| Blend | 78% Merlot - 21% Cabernet Franc - 1% Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Harvest | Fall 2016 |
| Release | Spring 2019 |
| Barrel Regime | 21 months in French oak barrels - 75% new, 25% seasoned |
| Alcohol | 14.1 % |
| Production | 20 barrels |
| Optimum Drinking | 2019 - 2035 |
| Release Price | $135.00 per 750ml bottle |
"The Merlot-dominated 2016 Illustration Proprietary Red Wine (there's 21% Cabernet Franc and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon) is also impressive, with a smoky, black cherry, blackberry, leafy herb, and earthy style in its medium to full-bodied, layered, structured personality. I love its purity, and like the Contrarian, it has a firm, focused style that's going to benefit from short-term cellaring. Nevertheless, it's a seriously good Merlot!"Jeb Dunnuck
"The 2016 Illustration Proprietary Red is a blend of 78% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Franc and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon. It's deep garnet-purple colored and gives up bags of savory scents—tapenade, smoked meats, truffles and bay leaves—over a core of kirsch, cassis and mulberries plus a waft of fallen leaves. Medium-bodied and tightly wound in the mouth, it has a chewy texture and oodles of freshness, finishing long and earthy."Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate
"The 2016 Illustration, Blackbird's Merlot-based wine, is plump, juicy and forward. Chocolate, espresso, mint, dried flowers and dark plum meld together in an approachable, delicious wine that can be enjoyed with minimal cellaring."Vinous Media - By Antonio Galloni
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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
