Blackbird Vineyards - Contrarian 2013
Price: $139.85
Producer | Blackbird Vineyards |
Country | United States |
Region | California |
Subregion | Napa Valley |
Varietal | Bordeaux Blend |
Vintage | 2013 |
Sku | 01505 |
Blackbird Vineyards Description
36% Cabernet Sauvignon - 32% Cabernet Franc - 32% Merlot.
Contrarian is crafted by passion and instinct. This textured blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon possesses both an aromatic richness and subtle tannin profile. It exudes an elegance Blackbird Vineyards' wines are known for, while displaying the regal posture that comes from superior Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. A wine to indulge in now and for decades to come, Contrarian's uniquely supple structure flouts convention.
Commanding and expressive with savory notes of black cherry, truffle, pepper, and bay, Contrarian is the most powerful of the Blackbird trio. Black currant, toffee, sweet herbs, and espresso are framed by well-structured, bold tannins that crescendo with lush fruit into a long finish. While the wine is gratifying now, Contrarian will age gloriously with time in the cellar.
Vinous Media: 92 Points
The 2013 Contrarian is the darkest and most massive of these wines from Blackbird. Huge swaths of tannin cut across the palate. Deep, explosive and inviting, the 2013 holds plenty of depth in its inky blue and purplish fruit, grilled herbs, mocha and chocolate. Like all of the Blackbird wines, the Contrarian is powerful and super-extracted. Accordingly, it is going to need a few years to shed some of its youthful exuberance.
-- Antonio Galloni