2016 Blackbird Vineyards 'Illustration' Proprietary Red Blend Napa Valley

Winemaker Notes:  With inviting aromas of coffee, iris, clove, and shitake mushrooms, Illustration is the most luxurious wine in the Blackbird portfolio. The mouthfeel offers density with integrated tannins and a long finish of violets, cocoa, and plum. The wine is gorgeous and will continue to develop over the next fifteen years with time in the cellar.

Illustration represents the core of Blackbird Vineyards. Every element of its multi-faceted wine portfolio draws inspiration from this principally Merlot composition. Illustration challenges the notion that Cabernet Sauvignon is the only age-worthy red wine crafted in Napa Valley.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM


Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - "The 2016 Illustration Proprietary Red is a blend of 78% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Franc and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon. It's deep garnet-purple colored and gives up bags of savory scents—tapenade, smoked meats, truffles and bay leaves—over a core of kirsch, cassis and mulberries plus a waft of fallen leaves. Medium-bodied and tightly wound in the mouth, it has a chewy texture and oodles of freshness, finishing long and earthy. 485 cases were made. 92+"


Vinous - "The 2016 Illustration, Blackbird's Merlot-based wine, is plump, juicy and forward. Chocolate, espresso, mint, dried flowers and dark plum meld together in an approachable, delicious wine that can be enjoyed with minimal cellaring."