{"title":"Blackbird Vineyards","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"blackbird-vineyards-arise-proprietary-red-2016","title":"Blackbird Vineyards Arise Proprietary Red 2016","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlackbird Vineyards Arise Proprietary Red 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e is a Pomerol-inspired Napa Valley red blend in a 750ml bottle at approximately 14.1–14.4% ABV. Awarded 92 points by Robert Parker's Wine Advocate and a Gold Medal at the 2021 London Wine Competition, this Merlot-dominant cuvée channels the elegance of Right Bank Bordeaux through distinctly Californian fruit intensity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 14.1–14.4%  |  Origin: Napa Valley, California  |  Vintage: 2016  |  Winery: Blackbird Vineyards\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlackbird Vineyards was founded with a singular vision: to produce Merlot- and Cabernet Franc-driven blends modeled after the great wines of Pomerol, specifically leveraging the climatic and soil similarities between Bordeaux's Right Bank and Napa Valley's Oak Knoll District. The Arise 2016 is blended from 55% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 3% Petit Verdot — a classically structured proprietary red. The wine was aged in premium French oak barrels sourced from top-tier cooperages including Seguin-Moreau, Sylvain, and Taransaud, contributing refined tannin structure and layered complexity without overpowering the fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with fragrant black cherry, black raspberry, and warm plum, then unfolds into more nuanced layers of underbrush, dried herbs, raspberry leaf, and spice box. A quiet floral quality — rose petal and a thread of mint — emerges with time in the glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The palate entry is rich and immediate, offering sweet, plush tannins wrapped around ripe cherry and plum fruit. Mid-palate, the wine builds with notes of smoked duck, dried herb, and clove, while a grainy tannin texture adds grip and definition. A pencil-shaving quality from the French oak laces through the fruit without dominating it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium to long, with lingering coffee, blueberry, and plum that slowly fade into toasted oak and spice. The tannins remain present but refined, leaving a juicy, lifted impression that invites another sip.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Arise 2016\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eServe at 60–65°F after decanting for 30 to 45 minutes to allow the aromatics to fully open. The wine drinks beautifully on its own as a contemplative pour, though a slight chill on warmer evenings keeps the fruit vibrant without muting the spice. Given its Merlot-forward profile and polished tannins, Arise 2016 is most rewarding neat — no need for ice or additional intervention. It also pairs exceptionally at the dinner table, where its medium-bodied structure and savory undertones complement a wide range of dishes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a Bordeaux lover who appreciates Napa Valley interpretations of Right Bank blends\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnchoring a multi-course dinner party alongside roasted meats and charcuterie\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdding a critically acclaimed 2016 Napa vintage to a cellar collection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSharing with fellow wine enthusiasts during a comparative Merlot-based tasting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Arise 2016 taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Arise 2016 leads with ripe black cherry and plum fruit, followed by savory layers of dried herb, smoked meat, and clove, all framed by refined French oak tannins. The finish is medium to long, carrying coffee and blueberry notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Arise 2016 compare to Dalla Valle Selene Merlot?\u003c\/strong\u003e The two wines share a historical connection — winemaker Mia Klein of Dalla Valle fame produced a vineyard-designate bottling for her Selene label using Blackbird Vineyards fruit in 1999. While Selene Merlot is a single-varietal wine, Arise is a proprietary blend that adds Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot for broader structural complexity and aromatic range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Arise 2016 good for drinking now or cellaring?\u003c\/strong\u003e The 2016 vintage is drinking well now after nearly a decade of bottle age, with resolved tannins and integrated oak, though its structure and acidity suggest it can hold comfortably for several more years in proper storage conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Arise 2016 made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Arise 2016 is produced by Blackbird Vineyards in Napa Valley, California, drawing from vineyards in the Oak Knoll District — a sub-region whose soils and climate have drawn comparisons to Bordeaux's Pomerol appellation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Arise 2016?\u003c\/strong\u003e Braised short ribs complement the wine's plush tannins and savory depth. Duck confit echoes the smoked-meat character found on the palate. Aged Gruyère or Comté cheeses mirror its nutty oak notes. Herb-crusted lamb loin bridges the wine's dried-herb and spice-box aromatics. Mushroom risotto highlights the earthy, underbrush quality in the nose.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Arise 2016 come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Blackbird Vineyards Arise Proprietary Red 2016 is available in the standard 750ml bottle format.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Arise 2016 worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Arise positions as a premium Napa Valley proprietary red, and its 92-point score from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Gold Medal from the London Wine Competition, and top-tier French cooperage aging place it firmly among serious Merlot-based blends in the region — strong value for collectors and enthusiasts seeking Pomerol-style complexity from California.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Arise 2016?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat separates Arise from the broader landscape of Napa reds is its unwavering commitment to a Pomerol blueprint — Merlot and Cabernet Franc at the core, aged in barrels from France's most respected cooperages. The 2016 vintage delivered one of Napa Valley's strongest growing seasons in recent memory, and this wine captures that quality with a 92-point rating from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate and a Gold Medal at the 2021 London Wine Competition. Its blend of 55% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 3% Petit Verdot produces a wine that is neither purely Californian nor purely Bordelaise, but something distinctly its own. For drinkers drawn to the silky, structured elegance of Right Bank Bordeaux but who want the ripe generosity that only Napa Valley delivers, Arise 2016 occupies a rare and rewarding middle ground.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Blackbird Vineyards","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837453856937,"sku":"21430","price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Blackbird-Vineyards-Arise-Proprietary-Red-2011__17782.jpg?v=1730482796"},{"product_id":"blackbird-vineyards-contrarian-proprietary-red-2010","title":"Blackbird Vineyards Contrarian Proprietary Red 2010","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlackbird Vineyards Contrarian Proprietary Red 2010\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 750ml Napa Valley Bordeaux-style red blend bottled at 14.5% ABV. Awarded 93 points by Robert Parker in \u003cem\u003eThe Wine Advocate\u003c\/em\u003e, this vintage stands out for its European-inflected structure drawn from a notably low-yielding 2010 harvest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 14.5%  |  Origin: Napa Valley, California  |  Vintage: 2010  |  Producer: Blackbird Vineyards\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlackbird Vineyards has built its reputation around Right Bank Bordeaux-inspired blends from Napa Valley. The 2010 Contrarian is composed of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Cabernet Franc, and 20% Merlot — a blend that leans heavily on Cab Franc for aromatic complexity and mid-palate texture. Winemaker Aaron Pott, whose résumé includes stints at Château Troplong-Mondot and Château La Tour Figeac in Bordeaux, fermented the wine with native yeasts and aged it entirely in French oak barrels. The 2010 growing season produced lower yields than average, resulting in concentrated fruit and a wine with pronounced European-style finesse rather than sheer power.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Expressive from the first pour, opening with leather and truffle before giving way to ripe currant and a distinctive thread of lavender. There is an underlying earthiness that recalls loamy soil and dried herbs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is marked by dense black cherry and blackberry fruit, layered with cassis and subtle anise. At the mid-palate, fine-grained tannins build with impressive density and weight, while the Cab Franc component contributes a peppery, mineral-driven spine. Plum and blueberry notes emerge as the wine opens, framed by well-integrated sweet oak.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Polished and supple, the finish carries lingering impressions of dark fruit, mineral, and gentle spice. It is persistent without being heavy, tapering with harmonious precision.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Contrarian 2010\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt over a decade old, this wine drinks well now but benefits from 30 to 45 minutes in a decanter to let its secondary aromas fully express. Serve at cellar temperature, around 60–65°F, in a large-bowled Bordeaux glass. A slight chill tightens the tannin structure and lifts the aromatics. For those who enjoy wine-based mixed drinks, the Contrarian's dark fruit intensity works in a classic red wine Sangria with citrus and stone fruit, a New York Sour where it floats atop bourbon and lemon, or a Kalimotxo (red wine and cola) for a casual, unconventional serve that plays off its cassis and spice character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a Bordeaux enthusiast who appreciates Napa interpretations of the style\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA special dinner course paired with lamb or braised short ribs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdding a mature, ready-to-drink Napa red to a cellar collection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMarking an anniversary or milestone tied to the 2010 vintage year\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Contrarian 2010 taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It delivers dense black cherry, currant, and blackberry fruit supported by fine-grained tannins, with secondary layers of leather, truffle, mineral, and subtle anise. The overall impression is one of structured elegance rather than fruit-forward power.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Contrarian 2010 compare to Opus One?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are Napa Valley Bordeaux-style blends, but Contrarian includes a much larger proportion of Cabernet Franc (32%) and Merlot (20%), giving it a more Right Bank-influenced profile with earthier aromatics and softer mid-palate texture. Opus One is typically more Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant and structured for longer cellaring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Contrarian 2010 good for sipping on its own?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — its well-integrated tannins, aromatic complexity, and over a decade of bottle age make it an engaging wine to drink neat, ideally after a brief decant to open the bouquet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Contrarian 2010 made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is produced by Blackbird Vineyards in Napa Valley, California, under the direction of winemaker Aaron Pott, who brings extensive experience from Bordeaux's Right Bank estates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Contrarian 2010?\u003c\/strong\u003e Herb-crusted rack of lamb highlights the wine's lavender and pepper notes. Braised short ribs mirror its dark fruit density. Aged Gruyère or Comté complement the earthy, truffle-driven aromatics. Duck confit matches the wine's richness and tannin structure. Mushroom risotto echoes the loamy, mineral qualities on the palate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Contrarian 2010 come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard release is a 750ml bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Contrarian 2010 worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Contrarian positions as a premium Napa Valley proprietary red, and the 93-point Robert Parker score alongside winemaker Aaron Pott's pedigree place it competitively among estate-level Napa Bordeaux blends in its price tier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Contrarian 2010?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2010 vintage is one of Blackbird's most acclaimed Contrarian releases, earning 93 points from Robert Parker, 92 from Jeff Leve, and 90 from \u003cem\u003eWine Spectator\u003c\/em\u003e. Aaron Pott's Bordeaux training shows in the wine's restrained, Old World-leaning structure — a deliberate counterpoint to the more fruit-driven style typical of many Napa reds. The low-yielding 2010 harvest concentrated the fruit and intensified the tannic architecture, producing a wine that has aged gracefully and continues to drink well over a decade later. For collectors and drinkers drawn to Napa Valley wines that channel Right Bank Bordeaux sensibility, this release remains a compelling reference point.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Blackbird Vineyards","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837454250153,"sku":"26623","price":124.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Blackbird-Vineyards-Contrarian-Proprietary-Red-2010__80603.jpg?v=1730482812"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/blackbird-vineyards.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}