Blackbird Vineyards

Blackbird Oak Knoll House in Napa Valley

Profile: In 1999, a walnut orchard in the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley was transformed into a vineyard, and began providing several local winemakers with its product. The land, often likened to the Pomerol region of Bordeaux, produced some outstanding fruit that found its way into many award-winning bottles, such as Dalla Valle's 1999 Selene Merlot. Michael Polenske purchased the vineyards in 2003 and decided to see if the magic would stick with a label of the vineyard's own. It did. Blackbird's inaugural bottling of only 100 cases was wildly praised by multiple sources, quickly becoming a cult favorite among wine aficionados.

2010 Arise
Varietal/Style: Meritage
Origin: Napa Valley
Vintage: 2010
Winemaker: Aaron Pott
Rating: 15.5/20
Retail Price: $50

Tasting Notes:
This well-balanced Bordeaux-style blend (Meritage) boasts bright cherry and blackberry flavors up front, soft tannins in the mouth and more earthy notes emerging toward the back of the palate. Pair it with rack of lamb, grilled chicken or roasted vegetables.

Wine of the Week March 11, 2013:
2010 Arise

Other Blackbird Vineyards wines we have tasted:
2004 Proprietary Red Wine
2007 Arise
2007 Contrarian
2007 Illustration
2009 Arriviste Rosé

Address:
1330 Oak Knoll Avenue
Napa, CA 94558
707-252-4444
www.blackbirdvineyards.com
[email protected]

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PBH051313

(Updated: 05/13/13 BH)

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