2018 Blackbird Vineyards 'Arise' Proprietary Red Napa Valley
The new Arise release from Blackbird Vineyards is an absolutely beautiful drinking experience. An aromatic powerhouse of dark fruit, the Wine Advocate notes “fragrant black cherries, black raspberries and warm plums.” Lush and super velvety on the palate, this is an amazing value for prime Napa Valley fruit. We know you will become a fan at first sip!
Using the Right Bank masterpieces of St. Émilion as the inspirational model, Blackbird proprietor Michael Polenske has assembled the two critical components that make things click in the glass: superlative vineyards and winemaking talent. Having first acquired the property made famous by Selene Merlot (a critical favorite), he turned his attention to fruit contracts from other established sources like Stagecoach and Crocker & Starr. Then came the winemaking team of Aaron Pott and Sarah Gott. Between them, they can count Château Troplong Mondot, Château La Tour Figeac, Joseph Phelps “Insignia” and Quintessa as wines they’ve produced. Not a bad lineup. Throw in endorsements from everyone from Wine Spectator to Robb Report to Men’s Journal, and it’s clear that these Blackbirds will not stay on the ground for very long.
Vinous
The 2018 Arise, the entry-level wine from Blackbird, is absolutely delicious. Crushed red/purplish berry fruit, mint, sage, licorice and mocha race out of the glass. Medium in body and beautifully perfumed, Arise is a terrific introduction to this lineup.
Wine Advocate
Composed of 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Franc, 6% Syrah and 4% Petit Verdot, the deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Arise Proprietary Red strides boldly out of the glass with notes of ripe blackberries, Morello cherries and redcurrant jelly with hints of pencil shavings and fragrant earth. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has lovely tension and lots of crunchy black and red berry layers, framed by grainy tannins, finishing with an invigorating lift.