Blackbird Vineyards Arise Red 750ML
Blackbird Vineyards the Arise exudes perfumes of cherry, blackberry, tobacco, and vanilla. Upon entry, the soft mouth- feel reveals flavors of black cherry, truffle, and subtle black olive which unfold into a succulent finish. The Napa Valley grape growing season presented fickle weather conditions due to the relatively cool spring coupled with unexpected heat spikes in late summer. The outcome was a lower-yielding harvest that produced supple wines with European-style texture and great complexity.
Wine Advocate
The 2010 Proprietary Red Arise, a blend of 61% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 19% Cabernet Franc, reveals an impressive dark ruby/purple color as well as a sweet nose of roasted coffee, blackberries and cassis. Delicious, round, opulent and decadently fruity and forward, this crowd-pleasing, head-turning 2010 possesses lots of character. It should drink well for a decade.
Score: 91. —Robert Parker, October 2013.
Wine Enthusiast
This is one of the richer, finer wines out of Napa meant for drinking now. With smooth tannins and a soft mouthfeel, it shows sweet-tasting cherry jam, cassis and toasty oak flavors. This Bordeaux-style blend is based on Merlot.
Score: 90. —Steve Heimoff, February 01, 2013.