Reviews & Ratings

2013 Blackbird Vineyards Red Blends or Varietals "Illustration"

Winery: Blackbird Vineyards

Vintage: 2013

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Illustration"

Wine Category: Red Blends or Varietals

Grape blend: 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc & 10% Cabernet Sauvignon

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Napa Valley

State or country: CA

Price: $135

Cases produced: 1,000

KWG Score: 92.2 (based on 4 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (93)

Review date: June 7, 2016

Wine Review: This very very dark colored red blend from Blackbird is terrific. It opens with a fragrant black cherry bouquet with hints black currant and boysenberry. On the palate, this wine is full bodied, balanced and juicy. The flavor profile is a tasty black currant and black cherry blend with nicely integrated oak and mild minerality. I also detected hints of plum. The finish is dry and its moderate tannins are very nicely prolonged. This really good wine will benefit with a little air. I would pair it with a New York strip steak. Enjoy - Ken

Winemaker Notes: Illustration is the most decadent of the Blackbird wines, scented with dark fruits, chocolate, flowers, and licorice. The palate is dense with abundant flavors of plum, blackberry, sarsaparilla, and eucalyptus. The rich texture envelops the lithe tannins for a luscious mouthfeel and rich finish. Drinking well upon release, Illustration will age beautifully with time in the cellar.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Blackbird 2013 Illustration.