Reviews & Ratings

2017 Blackbird Vineyards Red Blends or Varietals "Arise"

Winery: Blackbird Vineyards

Vintage: 2017

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Arise"

Wine Category: Red Blends or Varietals

Grape blend: 43% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon & 5% Petit Verdot

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Napa Valley

State or country: CA

Price: $58

Cases produced: 2,484

KWG Score: 89.3 (based on 3 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (91)

Review date: August 11, 2020

Wine Review: This opaque and deep purple colored blend of mainly Merlot and Cabernet Franc opens with black currant bouquet with hints of black cherry, baking spice and blackberry. On the palate, this wine is medium plus bodied, slightly acidic, quite savory and smooth. The flavor profile is a blend of black currant, oolong tea and black plum. I also detected notes of oak, flinty minerality, cherry and some hints of cinnamon and black olive. This offering has more structure than many of its peers from the 2017 vintage. I would decant it as it opened very nicely with some aeration. I would then pair it with cast iron grilled skirt steak fajitas. Enjoy - Ken

Winemaker Notes: The 2017 Arise is lively and fruity with aromas of plum, nutmeg, vanilla, blackberry and coffee. Juicy notes awaken the palate with flavors of cherry and cola on first sip. A beautiful, medium bodied wine with bright ripe cherry, plum and blackberries on the mid-palate. Finishes with coffee and strawberry with nice length.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Blackbird 2017 Arise.