2016 Blackbird Vineyards 'Contrarian' Proprietary Red Napa Valley

Winemaker Notes:  Complex and expressive with aromas of black currant, cherry and black périgold truffle, Contrarian is ripe to impress with its notable density, tight tannins and illustrious texture. With a long finish of black licorice, blackberries, plum and toffee, the vintage evolves tremendously on the palate. Blend: 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot

CRITICAL ACCLAIM

Wine & Spirits - "Though Blackbird’s original wine was a merlotfocused blend, current winemaker Aaron Pott takes Contrarian in a savory, less voluptuous direction. The wine is grounded by cabernet sauvignon, with a contribution from Ballard Vineyard on Spring Mountain that lends it stature and breed, as well as mineral-inflected tannins that carry the smokiness of rock striking rock. The wine’s blackberry juiciness and black-olive savor gain depth and detail with air, the flavors glimmering like cool water in a well. It has an old-fashioned sense of Napa Valley, before the wines got fancy. Decant it for Mediterranean lamb. "


Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - "Blended of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Cabernet Franc and 7% Merlot, the deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Contrarian Proprietary Red reveals notes of crushed black and red currants, black cherries and red plums with touches of red roses, black tea, tilled soil and tobacco. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers intense red and black fruit layers with plenty of earthy sparks and a grainy frame, finishing long and refreshing. "


James Suckling - "A juicy and rich red with lots of fruit and polished yet fine tannins. Medium to full body and tight, focused fruit. Delicious now. Why wait? A blend of 64 percent cabernet sauvignon, 29 percent cabernet franc and seven percent merlot. "


Wilfred Wong - "Hmm, when I first tasted the Blackbird Contrarian, I thought the winery must be trying to go against the tide. What tide? There are so many storylines in the wine business. Though I have tasted and enjoyed previous vintages, the 2016 vintage was the first time I understood this wine. I got an upfront and close look at this wine, and realize that balance was its reason to be.  This wine is immense, yet it stays balanced and superbly structured. Its stylish aromas and delightful flavors of black fruit and oak accents are wrapped nicely together. Instead of producing an overpowering wine, the winery looked to build a stylish and balanced effort. Pair this wine with a crown roast of lamb and enjoy a proper meal. "


Connoisseurs' Guide - "64% Cabernet Sauvignon; 29% Cabernet Franc; 7% Merlot. Not a wine of great power or bombast, but one that exhibits a good deal of finesse, the latest Blackbird Contrarion is a very mannerly, well-polished working that, with each sniff and sip, shows more richness and range as suggestions of sweet oak, fresh loam and dried herbs emerge as complexing complements to its concentrated, ripe currant fruit. Its finish is framed by firm, hard-to-ignore tannins just now, but increasing refinement and a long life appear to be in store here provided one is willing to forego hasty drinking. "