Blackbird Vineyards Arise Napa Valley Proprietary Red (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2014

Professional Ratings

• 94 Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
  A bold expression of an elegant, yet richly layered blend of Bordeaux grape varieties, the polished 2014 Blackbird Vineyards Arise glides smoothly and substantively on the palate. The wine's richness pairs it well with a shallot-accented grilled ribeye. (Tasted: September 1, 2017, San Francisco, CA)
• 93 Connoisseurs' Guide
  38% Merlot; 32% Cabernet Sauvignon; 30% Cabernet Franc. Merlot makes its mark clearly here as the wine keys on emphatic, fairly succulent black cherry fruit, but its Cabernet components provide structural solidity and extend its reach with complexing touches of cassis and sweet, loamy soil while a nicely fit dollop of creamy oak adds yet another layer of interest. Fairly obvious tannins warn off early drinking, but this impressively filled wine is exceptionally well-balanced and already shows a nascent sense of polish that is hard to miss, and it has the makings of a most memorable match for red meats running from a medium-rare rack of lamb to a juicy, standing rib roast once another three to five years have passed.
• 92 Wine Enthusiast
  This blends 38% Merlot with 32% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Cabernet Franc. Together these find a healthy companionship of wood, cedar, currant and dried herb, allowing the two Cabernets to speak loudest. Lightly spicy nutmeg and clove linger around well-defined layers of cherry and vanilla.
• 91 James Suckling
  Aromas of plums, earth and spices follow through to a full body and tight and firm tannins. Structured and powerful. Needs a few years to soften. Better in 2020.