Reviews & Ratings

2011 Blackbird Vineyards Red Blends or Varietals "Contrarian"

Winery: Blackbird Vineyards

Vintage: 2011

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Contrarian"

Wine Category: Red Blends or Varietals

Grape blend: 43% Cabernet Franc, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, & $28 Merlot

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Napa Valley

State or country: CA

Price: $125

Cases produced: 734

KWG Score: 90.1 (based on 6 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (90)

Review date: July 29, 2014

Wine Review: This very very dark ruby colored red blend opens with a very attractive black cherry bouquet. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, slightly acidic and savory. The flavor profile is a very mineral infused red plum with hints of old oak and RC cola. The finish is dry and its dusty mild tannins and flavors are nicely prolonged. This wine is initially a bit rustic and benefits from decanting and aeration. It would pair well with most hearty comfort foods. Beef bourguignon came to mind first. Enjoy – Ken

Winemaker Notes: The 2011 Contrarian opens with expressive notes of succulent black fruit and pepper. On the palate, flavors of blackberry and mocha complement silky layers of intricately structured, fine-grained tannins that hold great density and weight. The lush mid-palate leads to a supple, approachable and harmoniously-precise finish. This wine is gratifying now and will age gloriously with time in the cellar. The cooler-than-normal 2011 Napa Valley grape-growing season concluded in an expedited harvest. The outcome was a vintage with flavors developed at lower brix, resulting in truly elegant wines with European-style texture and great complexity.

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