2006 Blackbird Arise

The 2006 Arise (100% Merlot) possesses the most chocolate, cocoa, and charcoal notes along with lots of berry fruit, silky tannins, a lovely, medium to full-bodied, lush texture, and irresistible charm and appeal. Enjoy it over the next decade. This impressive portfolio was assembled by winemaker Aaron Pott and consulting winemaker Sarah Gott (her husband owns the incredibly successful fast-food chain of Taylor’s Refresher in San Francisco, Napa, and St. Helena – which makes the best cheeseburger and Ahi burger in the land). All of these offerings reveal beautiful balance, suppleness, and intensity. Production runs between 200-300 cases for most of the cuvees, with the Illustration maxing out at 1,200 cases. Blackbird’s mission statement is to make artisanal, Pomerol-inspired wines from Napa Valley, and they appear to be succeeding. The estate vineyard is in the Oak Knoll district, which is well-known for deep, loamy, gravelly soils. Tel. (707) 252-4444; Fax (707) 252-9999