2016 Blackbird Vineyards Paramour Napa Valley

There's no substitution for quality at Blackbird Vineyards, as winemaker Aaron Pott strives to produce terroir-driven and right bank Bordeaux-inspired wines. The wine is aged in the best oak barrels sourced from the highest quality coopers in France, such as Seguin-Moreau, Sylvain, Taransaud, etc. These wines will have your palate dancing around every savory sip. Before becoming one of Napa's premier estates, Blackbird Vineyards quietly sold fruit to some of the finest winemakers, most-notably the Dalla Valle 1999 Selene Merlot. Their inaugural bottling in 2003 was a smash hit receiving 98 points from Vinfolio calling it "the best Merlot nobody has ever heard," thus their legend was born.

If you're not familiar with Aaron Pott, you're probably familiar with some of the well-regarded wineries where he previously worked. Pott spent six years working in Bordeaux at Ch. Troplong-Mondot and Ch. Latour Figeac in Saint Emilion. When he returned to Napa, he worked at Beringer, St. Clement, and Quintessa.

Blackbird Vineyards implements sustainable practices in all of its operations. They remain an active member in the Napa Valley Vinters organization as well as being an avid supporter of the Napa Valley Land Trust. 

Harvested, vinified, and aged with a commitment to quality, ensuring you'll receive nothing but the best from this Estate. This classic Napa blend comprised of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon expresses luscious flavors that can only come from exceptional fruit, this wine promises to leave you thirsting for another bottle!

Aging: 21 Months in 75% New French Oak

 82% Cabernet Franc, 15% Merlot, and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon. With a bright approach of blueberry, black cherry, cedar, porcini mushrooms, and mint, the wine shines on the nose of this Cabernet Franc dominant blend. The wonderful richness of violets, plum, and chocolate and gives way to tight grain tannins with a supple finish on the palate. This wine is captivating and will continue to develop gracefully with long-term aging in the cellar.

I have often wondered if California could create some Right Bank magic? Since Cabernet Sauvignon has gone unchallenged for so long, how could Cabernet Franc measure up? The 2016 Blackbird Vineyards Paramour—made with 82% Cabernet Franc—is proof that the Golden State can do this. This is a magnificent wine. Its beautiful and refined aromas and flavors of ripe black fruit and anise stay lovingly long on the palate. Pair it with a delicious Porchetta and enjoy the wizardry of exceptional winemaking. ~95 Wilfred Wong

Composed of 82% Cabernet Franc, 15% Merlot, and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2016 Paramour Proprietary Red is deep garnet-purple colored and features notes of tar, tilled black soil, fungi, and oolong tea over a core of red and black currants, black raspberries and crushed plums. Medium-bodied with a chewy, stewed tea-laced frame, it delivers loads of bright, refreshing flavors and a quiet, earthy intensity on the finish. ~94 Wine Advocate

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