About the Wine

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.

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; it's time for you to discover what Vinfolio was talking about in 2003.

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!

Tasting Notes: 55% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot. The 2016 Arise offers a rich attack with sweet, plush tannins and notes of cherry, plum, and smoked duck in a long finish of coffee, plum, and blueberry. An ideal 2016 harvest season resulted in rich fruit of uncompromised character.

Reviews

The 2016 Arise Proprietary Red is a blend of 55% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot. It has a deep garnet-purple color and opens with fragrant black cherries, black raspberries, and warm plums scents with hints of underbrush, dried herbs, raspberry leaves, and spice box. Medium-bodied and elegantly styled in the mouth, the palate has great vivacity with a grainy texture and long, lively finish. ~92 Robert Parker

The 2016 Arise is a very pretty wine. Lifted and floral, with lovely brightness from the Cabernet Franc in the blend, the 2016 is super-expressive today. Bright red cherry, rose petal and mint notes add freshness to this attractive, mid-weight red from Blackbird. ~91 Vinous Media

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