Winemaker Notes
Blend: 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc
Professional Ratings
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
Firmly built on its Cabernet Sauvignon base, the 2014 Blackbird Vineyards Contrarian—a blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, and 6% Cabernet Franc, shows the power and firmness of the Médoc's most famous grape variety. The wine's richness would pair nicely with a grilled Porterhouse steak. (Tasted: September 1, 2017, San Francisco, CA)
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Another stunner is the 2014 Proprietary Red Contrarian, dominated by its 81% Cabernet Sauvignon followed by 13% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc. This exhibits classic tobacco leaf, crème de cassis, forest floor, Christmas fruitcake, cedarwood and a touch of new saddle leather. It is full-bodied, powerful, rich, concentrated and yet soft enough to drink now or be cellared for another 15-20 years.
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James Suckling
A juicy and linear red with brambleberry and cedar character. Medium body, firm and chewy tannins and a flavorful finish. Back in form. Drink or hold.
Undoubtedly proving its merit over and over, Napa Valley is a now a leading force in the world of prestigious red wine regions. Though Cabernet Sauvignon dominates Napa Valley, other red varieties certainly thrive here. Important but often overlooked include Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties well-regarded on their own as well as for their blending capacities. Very old vine Zinfandel represents an important historical stronghold for the region and Pinot noir is produced in the cooler southern parts, close to the San Pablo Bay.
Perfectly situated running north to south, the valley acts as a corridor, pulling cool, moist air up from the San Pablo Bay in the evenings during the hot days of the growing season, which leads to even and slow grape ripening. Furthermore the valley claims over 100 soil variations including layers of volcanic, gravel, sand and silt—a combination excellent for world-class red wine production.