Reviews & Ratings

2011 Blackbird Vineyards Red Blends or Varietals "Illustration"

Winery: Blackbird Vineyards

Vintage: 2011

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Illustration"

Wine Category: Red Blends or Varietals

Grape blend: 75% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, & 10% Cabernet Sauvignon

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Napa Valley

State or country: CA

Price: $125

Cases produced: 736

KWG Score: 90.1 (based on 6 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (92)

Review date: September 5, 2014

Wine Review: This very dark ruby colored red blend opens with a heavenly black cherry and boysenberry bouquet. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, slightly acidic and juicy. The flavor profile is a tasty black currant and minerality blend with notes of black plum and a touch of oak. The finish is dry and its moderate tannins stick around for quite some time and show very nice length. The impressive red blend would pair well with something with roast duck with cherry sauce. Enjoy – Ken

Winemaker Notes: The 2011 Illustration demonstrates elegant notes of cinnamon and black licorice, with opulent red fruit and iris aromas. The softly-structured mid-palate offers great density and abundant flavors of black cherry, tobacco and cedar. The finish is persistent in length with sophisticated tannins leading to a smooth mouth feel. Drinking well upon release, Illustration will age beautifully with time in the cellar.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Blackbird 2011 Illustration.