BLACKBIRD VINEYARDS
NAPA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA 2019
WHY BUY: A trio of superlative, limited-production wines (including a 97-pointer and 95-pointer from The Wine Advocate) from one of our favorite Napa producers, led by 2012 Food & Wine 'Winemaker of the Year' Aaron Pott, formerly of Quintessa. Blackbird has been quietly leading a counterrevolution toward elegance, classicism, and nuance … and toward Napa’s past. And these three (all from their 2019 vintage, all Bordeaux-inspired) are thrilling examples of the vision, delivering all the richness and depth you expect from elite-level Napa reds, but with a grace and clarity that keeps you returning to the glass rather than pining for a nap.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: The Wine Advocate zeroed in on just what makes the Paramour Red so irresistible — a "full-bodied and rich yet seemingly weightless” wine, it wrote, awarding 97 points, “despite being concentrated, long, and velvety … just lovely stuff.” Vinous was nearly as effusive about the Contrarian Red, which it praised, in its 95-point review, for its "huge, dense" profile and "immediate, bold personality" with notes of "sweet dark cherry, plum, spice, new leather and chocolate … Gorgeous.” The Wine Advocate was moved to more than admiration of the Illustration Red; it was moved to sensual evocation: "plush, richly velvety and long on the finish,” it wrote, "this is a truly remarkable Napa Valley Merlot, a rare thing indeed."
OUR TASTING NOTES: Each of these wines reflects Pott's particular winemaking philosophy (structure, classicism, elegance) while, at the same time, carving out a distinctive personality. The Paramour, primarily Cabernet Franc with supporting roles from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, demonstrates why this often-overlooked Bordeaux variety deserves center stage. Sourced from the prestigious Schifflet, Hudson, and Stagecoach Vineyards, it offers remarkable concentration without heaviness — picture a heavyweight boxer performing a pas de deux. The Contrarian, which is Cabernet Sauvignon-based, shows the variety's naturally muscular tendencies yet maintains a surprising agility; and we love its aromatic range, with its dried herbs, lavender, and spice notes lingering well beyond the fruit. The Illustration, predominantly Merlot, with about one-fifth Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, presents a sinuously smooth texture with remarkable length that, we hope, will put to rest any lingering prejudice against Napa Merlot.
THE STORY: Blackbird Vineyards has been crafting its Bordeaux-inspired wines since 1999, initially focusing almost exclusively on Merlot, a rather unorthodox (and daring) choice in the post-“Sideways" era, when Cabernet Sauvignon was rapidly becoming Napa's monoculture. But this willingness to zag while others zigged has become something of a calling card for Blackbird. They were among the first modern Napa producers to champion not just Merlot but also Cabernet Franc when everyone else was planting Cabernet Sauvignon fence post to fence post. Under Aaron Pott's guidance, the portfolio expanded to include the outstanding Cabernet Franc-led Paramour and Cabernet Sauvignon-based Contrarian, each showcasing Pott's commitment to complexity over sheer power. A former general manager of the great Quintessa who now consults for eleven wineries, Pott told Grape Experiences that at Blackbird, they're "making elegant, restrained, complex wines with less alcohol." Food & Wine noted that Pott is "trying to take Napa Cabernet back to its roots," with the winemaker himself wondering, "I've tasted so many great, older Napa wines, and I always wonder, Why aren't we making these wines anymore?"
THE METHOD: Blackbird's approach begins with careful sourcing. Rather than relying solely on estate fruit from their Oak Knoll vineyard, they "spread their wings" to procure grapes from exceptional sites throughout Napa Valley, including such illustrious vineyards as Hudson and Stagecoach. This diversity of terroir provides Pott with a broader palette of flavors with which to compose his wines. In the cellar, the focus remains on expressing each vineyard's character, with Pott insisting upon gentle handling of the fruit and opting for judicious use of oak so as not to overwhelm the natural character of the wine.
WHAT TO PAIR THEM WITH: You’ve got enormous versatility at the table with these, thanks to their balance of power and elegance. The Paramour's floral and dark fruit character makes it a terrific companion for a mustard-crusted rack of lamb or seared duck breast with huckleberries. The Contrarian's bold personality is a perfect foil for seared ribeye or a wild mushroom risotto. The Illustration, with its plush texture, is a heavenly match with slow-braised short ribs or an herbed roast chicken basted with butter.
OUR GUARANTEE: As always, we've secured these limited-production gems directly from the winery itself to ensure perfect provenance. Secure your bottles or cases today!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Summer 2025. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. The price reflected on your order form is subject to change after the order is placed in the event of a change in tariffs or taxes that are imposed by the U.S. government, or in the case of currency fluctuations of 10% or greater. Offer not valid in CO, CT, DE, KS, MD, MI, NE, NY, OK, TN, or VA. This offer is valid for TWO WEEKS, or until sold out, and will expire on Thursday, May 8th, 2025.