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

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

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Blackbird Vineyards 2017 Contrarian

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