2018 Blackbird Paramour

Cabernet Franc-dominated (63% Cabernet Franc, 23% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon), the 2018 Paramour Proprietary Red offers up lots of red and blue fruits as well as textbook Cabernet Franc chocolate, leafy herbs, earth, and floral notes. This medium to full-bodied, layered, balanced 2018 has ripe tannins, plnety of mid-palate depth, and a great finish.

Composed of 63% Cabernet Franc, 23% Merlot and 14% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 Paramour Proprietary Red is deep garnet-purple colored and needs a little swirling to reveal notes of warm red plums, black raspberries and blackberry preserves with touches of pencil lead, cedar chest and charcoal. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a bold line of freshness lifting the savory earthy layers along with ripe, grainy tannins, finishing long and mineral laced. This is set to be released this summer.

The 2018 Paramour shows all of the perfume and grace of Cabernet Franc, which drives the blend. Crushed red berry fruit, spice, raspberry jam and wild flowers all open up with time. Medium in body and full of character, the Paramour is terrific. A whole range of sweet floral and mineral notes punctuates the finish. (AG)