Reviews & Ratings

2016 Blackbird Vineyards Red Blends or Varietals "Contrarian"

Winery: Blackbird Vineyards

Vintage: 2016

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Contrarian"

Wine Category: Red Blends or Varietals

Grape blend: 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Cabernet Franc & 7% Merlot

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Napa Valley

State or country: CA

Price: $135

Cases produced: 1,580

KWG Score: 91.7 (based on 7 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Excellent (94)

Review date: February 9, 2020

Wine Review: This opaque and dark garnet colored Cabernet Sauvignon based blend from Blackbird is impressive. It opens with an appealing black currant and black licorice bouquet with hints of wet stone. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, well-balanced and smooth. The flavor profile is a delicious black currant with notes of ripe black cherry and blueberry. We also detected hints of minerality, vanilla oak and black tea. The finish is dry and its moderate tannins show very extended length. The Panel suggested pairing this wine with a ribeye steak topped with Great Hill blue cheese. Enjoy - KWGTP

Winemaker Notes: Complex and expressive with aromas of black currant, cherry and black perigold truffle, Contrarian is ripe to impress with its notable density, tight tannins and illustrious texture. With a long finish of black licorice, blackberries, plum and toffee, the vintage evolves tremendously on the palate. This wine is captivating now and will continue to develop in the cellar for another 15 years.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Blackbird 2016 Contrarian.