Reviews & Ratings

2012 Blackbird Vineyards Red Blends or Varietals "Contrarian"

Winery: Blackbird Vineyards

Vintage: 2012

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Contrarian"

Wine Category: Red Blends or Varietals

Grape blend: 54% Cabernet Franc, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon & 23% Merlot

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Napa Valley

State or country: CA

Price: $125

Cases produced: 840

KWG Score: 90.8 (based on 5 reviews)

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

Review date: October 5, 2015

Wine Review: This very dark ruby colored red blend from Blackbird is very very good. It opens with a fragrant boysenberry bouquet with hints of black cherry and vanilla oak. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, balanced, rich and a little juicy. The flavor profile is an extracted black cherry with notes of black licorice and spice. I also detected hints of chocolate covered strawberries as well at the end. The finish is dry and its moderate tannins and fruit stick around and linger nicely. This Cab Franc based wine would benefit from some decanting in the short term. I would serve it with beef bourguignon. Enjoy – Ken

Winemaker Notes: The 2012 Contrarian opens with expressive notes of succulent blackberry and peppercorn. On the palate, flavors of plum 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. With no frost, a mild spring and summer, and a peaceful fall, the Contrarian benefitted from what some say was an ideal growing season.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Blackbird 2012 Contrarian.