Blackbird Vineyards 2017 Contrarian

Blackbirds Vineyards loves the art of the blend, and Contrarian shows why. Comprised mainly of cabernet sauvignon, there is 29% cabernet franc, and 1% merlot. The 21 months in mostly new French oak barrels elevates the fruit and tannic structure. Though a big wine upfront it nonetheless straddles a deft line between bright expressive fruit, oak, moderate tannins and light acidity. Immediately there is the blackberry, blueberry huckleberry raspberry, boysenberry notes which you would expect from this wine. And though all the fruit is at the forefront it does also allow for more subtle back notes of cassis, Rosewater, plum, Madagascar vanilla, and a touch of butterscotch from the wood char. Blackbird demonstrates their fine hand at blending with this, and a number of their other wines.

1,100 cases.
ORIGIN: Napa Valley
ALCOHOL: 14.1%
PRICE: $135 (750 ml)
SCORE: 92 POINTS

The IntoWine.com Annual “Top 100 Most Influential People in the U.S. Wine Industry" – 2012

People love lists; they can be a great source of education and discussion. But making a list such as this is not an easy process. Who are the most influential wine people in the U.S., and how exactly do you define ‘influential?’ Does influential mean people who move markets, impact consumers, inspire winemakers, and create debate? In a word, yes. These 100 people, from winemakers to law makers, bankers to bloggers, and sommeliers to celebrities are definitely people who influence wine; how it is made, marketed, perceived, sold, shipped, purchased and shared.

Read full article

IntoWine.com’s “Top 100 Most Influential People in the U.S. Wine Industry” - 2018

There is currently a raging debate as to the validity of what an “influencer” is. Who are the most influential wine people in the United States, and how exactly do you define ‘influential?’ Does an influential mean a person who moves markets, impacts consumers, inspires winemakers, forms policy,...

Read full article

The IntoWine.com 2nd Annual “Top 100 Most Influential People in the U.S. Wine Industry" – 2013

Our 2013 iteration of this list is intended as a source of education and discussion. The making of this list is never an easy process. Who are the most influential wine people in the United States, and how exactly do you define ‘influential?’ Does influential mean people who move markets, impact consumers, inspire winemakers, form policy, and create debate? Yes. Though some decry the consolidation of the wine industry (and that is an issue worth considering) we are not trying to suggest who is “good” or “bad” within America’s wine industry. We merely define the Top 100 people, from winemakers to law makers, bankers to bloggers, and sommeliers to celebrities who influence wine; how it is made, marketed, perceived, sold, shipped, purchased, shared and consumed. As was true in 2012, we sought help to assemble this list people from a diverse group of people and we are grateful for their input. And we chose to release it today, January 29th, as it was on this day in 1919 when the pathetic policy of Prohibition was ratified; the effects of this lunatic legislation still evident in our country’s inability to ship and sell wine across state lines. We honor winemakers, wine drinkers and wine lovers of every conceivable demographic. Use this list, comment on it, share it with everyone, learn from it, and continue your joy of being IntoWine.

Read full article

Top 100 Most Influential U.S. Winemakers

Ah the ubiquitous list. Everywhere you turn these days there is a top 10, the best 50, or some iteration of a who’s who list. So we can’t resist, besides, our Top 100 Most Influential Wine Industry list scored a lot of buzz, created a lot of chatter and even made a few enemies. This list is all about winemakers, those currently making wine here in America – not the great ones who have come before, but folks who make wines you can find now. There are some 7,000 bonded wineries in the U.S., and there’s a lot of forgettable wine being made. And in a world of homogenization of wine styles and a sense that our domestic wine industry is not legitimate without a French or Italian flare, we desire to promote regional flavor profiles of all American wine craftspeople. There are names here you’ll know and recognize, and names you never heard of but everyone on this list is influencing the public, fellow winemakers and the media in large and small ways. Use this list to learn about wines, varieties and regions you may not have considered; comment on it, share it with everyone, but above all continue your joy of being IntoWine.

Read full article

Napa Valley’s Top Ten "Best Kept Secret" Wineries

BEST OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH NAPA TASTING ROOMS After having visited numerous renowned wineries, many of us are looking for the hidden gems within the Napa Valley. Good wines are certainly valued, but the entire experience a winery provides leaves guests wanting to return and telling their friends and family to visit. Each winery listed in this article has some special draw, whether it’s art, architecture, ambiance, gardens or compelling history.

Read full article

Blackbird Vineyards 2017 Contrarian

Food and Wine Pairing Tool

Related Articles

The IntoWine.com Annual “Top 100 Most Influential People in the U.S. Wine Industry" – 2012

IntoWine.com’s “Top 100 Most Influential People in the U.S. Wine Industry” - 2018

The IntoWine.com 2nd Annual “Top 100 Most Influential People in the U.S. Wine Industry" – 2013

Top 100 Most Influential U.S. Winemakers

Napa Valley’s Top Ten "Best Kept Secret" Wineries