BLACKBIRD Artisanal producer of inspired wines in the Knoll District of Napa Valley

Perched to seize the day as Oak Knoll’s foremost is Blackbird Vineyards, located in the heart of the district. Since 1999, this former walnut orchard, first planted with 5717 vines two years earlier, has quietly provided fruit to many of Napa’s finest winemakers, for whom it has yielded astonish- ing reviews and stellar scorings. Purchased by entrepreneur Michael Polenske in 2003, Blackbird Vineyards is now an ultra premium label in its own right. (Fittingly, ‘Merlot’ is French patois for ‘Little Blackbird.’) From Screaming Eagle to Harlan Estates, Napa Valley is undoubtedly an international standard bearer for Cabernet Sauvignons. With the designation of Napa’s fourteenth AVA less than two years ago, Oak Knoll District is now well poised to bring forth the prominence and elegance of Merlot from this region. Similar to the Pomerol region of Bordeaux, Oak Knoll District is indigenously akin in its profile as a district with its soil composition, microclimate, as well as its rural, rustic qualities. Merlot based wines of Pomerol have historically challenged the first growths of Bordeaux, a forbearer to Oak Knoll’s future.

2006 Blackbird ‘Illustration’ Napa Valley Proprietary Red - 6/750ml Net $384 86% Merlot/ 11% / 3% . Optimal with decanting, this elegant, full-bodied wine unfolds with aromatic notes of black cherry, toffee, cocoa powder, iris flower, and subtle leather. Upon entry, the rich, focused core, with its boastful concentration, leads to intense flavors of brambled berries and roasted meat. Framed by persistent acid- ity and an elegant structure, the finish illustrates the wine’s longevity. 20 months in French oak - 82% new/18% seasoned. Winemaker, Sarah Gott

2006 Blackbird ‘Illustration’ Napa Valley Proprietary Red - 6/1.5L Net $840

2006 ‘Paramour’ Napa Valley Proprietary Red - 6/750ml Net $384 48% Merlot/44% Cabernet Franc/8% Cabernet Sauvignon. The nose opens with an arresting and inviting perfume, reveal- ing concentrated aromas of wild blueberries, violets and black currants. The textured palate is commanding in its fruit inten- sity and depth, with the wine flaunting a round, polished center and a velvety mouthfeel. Robust flavors of black cherry and blueberry evolve in the glass, leaving way to a savory, prolonged finish. 20 months in French oak - 83% new / 17% seasoned. Winemaker, Sarah Gott

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