The 2008 Blackbird Vineyards Arise is a proprietary blend of 42% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 20% Cabernet Franc. It was aged in French oak barrels for a total of 19 months (70% new oak, 30% used). The Merlot for the blend was sourced from the Blackbird Vineyard that is located in Napa's Oak Knoll District.
On the nose I get beautiful aromas of chocolate raspberry truffle, blackberry, coco powder, peppercorn, and crushed stones. It's an incredibly intoxicating bouquet and one that's very reminiscent of previous wines I've experienced made from fruit from this part of Napa. The peppercorn notes are subtle, but add just that extra bit of complexity and style to make the wine a bit more thought provoking.
On the palate the wine is rich and delicious, delivering flavors of black raspberry, unsweetened coco, peppercorn, chocolate, and earth. The wine finishes with some really nice supple tannin and a coco-cassis layered finish. 92 points
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1 comments:
Vineyards are often on hillsides and on soil of marginal value to other plants. A common saying is that "the worse the soil, the better the wine."
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