Blackbird Vineyards Arise Proprietary Red Wine 2021, 750 ml, Napa Valley, California

2019 vintage – 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Franc, 8% Syrah, 5% Petit Verdot. 2019 vintage – Plum, cherry, pomegranate, tobacco, forest floor, nutmeg, black pepper, blood orange zest in a very integrated yet complex nose. Good mid palate richness with blackberry jam, plum and cherry, tobacco and earthy notes, tannins are plush and rich. The wine ends with good length, finishing with crushed strawberries, plum jam and milk chocolate. Aged 21 months in French oak, 75% new, 25% seasoned. Vineyards: Star Vineyard – Located in the heart of the legendary Rutherford appellation, Star Vineyard vines get wonderful sun exposure which creates powerful, luscious Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Stagecoach Vineyard – Atop the Vaca Mountains south of Pritchard Hill, the rocky, volcanic terroir of the Stagecoach Vineyard produces intense Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Crocker & Starr Vineyard – The Crocker & Starr Vineyard’s deep pocket of well-drained gravel creates aromatic Cabernet Franc with impressive structure and finesse.