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.
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.