Blackbird "Contrarian" Proprietary Red 2012
(Napa Valley, California) - [AG 93+] [JS 93] [RP 91+] [WS 90]

Notes from the Winemaker:

"The 2012 Contrarian opens with expressive notes of succulent blackberry and peppercorn. On the palate, flavors of plum and mocha complement silky layers of intricately structured, fine-grained tannins that hold great density and weight. The lush mid-palate leads to a supple, approachable and harmoniously-precise finish. This wine is gratifying now and will age gloriously with time in the cellar. With no frost, a mild spring and summer, and a peaceful fall, the Contrarian benefitted from what some say was an ideal growing season."

Tasting Notes

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.

Technical Data

Blend: 54% Cabernet Franc, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot
Barrel Regime: 21 months in French Oak barrels - 75% new, 25% seasoned
Alcohol: 14.5%
Production: 55 barrels

Ratings & Reviews

93+ Points - Antonio Galloni:
"Cabernet Franc plays the leading role in the 2012 Contrarian. Sweet floral and savory aromatics meld into a core of dark red stone fruits in a deep, resonant wine built on pure verticality. All the elements fall into place in a gracious yet powerful wine. The Cabernet Franc is felt especially in the lifted, floral aromatics that are woven throughout." - Antonio Galloni (September 2010)

93 Points - James Suckling:
"A firm and juicy wine with blackberry, hints of new wood and cedar. Full-bodied, velvety and rich. Long finish. A blend of 54% cabernet franc, 23% cabernet sauvignon, and 23% merlot. Drink or hold." - (July 28th, 2015)

91+ Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocae:
"The 2012 Proprietary Red Contrarian (an equal part blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc) is slightly more structured. Its dense ruby/purple color is followed by notes of blackcurrants, licorice, lead pencil shavings, vanillin and spice. Made in a fuller-bodied, more structured and masculine style, it should drink well 2016-2028." - Robert M. Parker, Jr. (Oct 2014)

90 Points - Wine Spectator Magazine:
"Marked by a rustic mix of dusty herb and cedar notes, this features a firm core of dark berry, savory and loamy flavors, but the fruit pushes through on the finish. Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink now through 2027. 840 cases made." – JL (Jun 15, 2015)

Wine Enthusiast Magazine:
"A majority of Cabernet Franc combines with 23% Cabernet Sauvignon and 23% Merlot. The result is a dense expression of cherry, strawberry and vanilla, sharp on the tongue in tar and tobacco, the tannins tightly wound." - Virginie Boone (8/1/2015)