2010 Blackbird Contrarian

A blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Cabernet Franc and 20% Merlot, the 2010 Proprietary Red Contrarian is a beauty of purity, symmetry, harmony and pure Napa fruit. Abundant notes of blue and black fruits, sweet tannin, and enough acidity for delineation and freshness result in a stunningly impressive wine to drink over the next 10-12 years. 2011 was, of course, a much more challenging vintage, and these cuvees have slightly lower alcohols than in 2010. Tel. (707) 252-4444

(48% cabernet sauvignon, 32% cabernet franc and 20% merlot): Bright medium ruby. Tighter and higher-pitched on the nose than the Illustration, offering notes of black cherry, cassis, blackberry, violet, licorice and crushed stone. Densely packed and sharply delineated but still pliant, with a youthfully medicinal quality, harmonious acidity and a cabernet franc violet perfume combining to energize the mid-palate. Intensely flavored and very long, finishing with serious fine-grained tannins and outstanding grip and lift.